Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal (SP)

Bhatkal, Jun 12: Angry over alleged issuance of inflated electicity bills to them, residents of Shaukat Ali Road within the town municipal limits laid seize to Hubli Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Hescom) office here and took the officials there to task for what they termed as irresponsible attitude.

'After new electricity meters were installed in houses in our street, there has been considerable hike in electricity bills. We are unable to bear such huge bills. This has happened due to mistake on the part of Hescom employees,' the protesters said.

Explaining the position to them, assistant executive engineer in the office, Manjunath, said that the department has taken steps to computerize payment of power bills. 'The work of replacing old electricity meters with new ones is in progress. Because of some technical snags, there has been mistake in raising certain bills. Once the system is made online, everything will fall in place. I will ensure that no one faces any injustice. At the same time, the people should cooperate with the department till the needful is done,' he requested.

Naeem Motia, Ansar Matta, Dilshad, Fatima, Bibi Khateeja and several others were present on the occasion.