Mahavitaran team assaulted and abused; case registered against two Muslims

• Incident in Alibaug (District Raigad)

• A Muslim family had outstanding dues of ₹68,280

Alibaug – Mahavitaran has launched a drive to recover pending electricity bills from defaulters. During this campaign, a Mahavitaran team that had gone for recovery was assaulted and abused by two Muslims. Based on a complaint filed by Mahavitaran officials, a case has been registered at the police station against Musaddiq Zainuddin Chaudhary and Arfan Munwar Chaudhary.

Akhtari Zainuddin Chaudhary, a resident of the Mandovi Mohalla area, had pending electricity dues of ₹68,280. When the recovery team approached them, Musaddiq Zainuddin Chaudhary refused to pay the outstanding bill, stating that he did not have the money. (A religious fanatic displaying the attitude of a defiant wrongdoer – Editor) The officials informed them that, as per rules, failure to pay the bill would result in disconnection of the electricity supply. Enraged by this, Musaddiq Zainuddin Chaudhary and Arfan Munwar Chaudhary assaulted senior Mahavitaran officials and staff, and abused them using filthy language. (Mahavitaran should decide in advance whether police protection is necessary while carrying out recovery drives in such areas – Editor)

Editorial Perspectives

• Despite paying electricity bills being a social responsibility, refusal to do so indicates a lack of fear of law and order.

• Unless the electricity connections of such arrogant and unruly individuals are disconnected, such incidents will not be curbed.