Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Feb 3: Members of Hardalli Mandalli school development committee and parents on Tuesday February 2 locked the school here and held a protest in the premises, alleging that a neighbourhood woman has been disconnecting the power supplied to the school without any apparent reason. "She insults those who ask for explanation and harasses the teachers and students," they alleged, urging for action against the woman.

Mescom had earlier provided power connection to the school through the land owned by Jyothi Madiwala. It is said that Jyothi's family had consented to the connection as the house could get free electricity along with the school. However, power supply to the school has been distrupted purposely of late, alleged the protesters. "As the Kota station police did not take action, we are holding this protest," they said.

"Besides, when children play in the playground, the neighbour threatens them. The teachers who questions her are hurled abused. The children should be provided security. We will continue our protests until the education department officers arrive," they said. Meanwhile the education resource person Uday Gaonkar who arrived at the spot received an appeal from the protesters. Karnataka government employees' association president Dinakar Shetty was present.

Later, Mescom officials arrived at the spot, brought an electric pole and gave new power connection to the school. The protest was called off after police arrived and took the woman into custody.

School development committee president Bhavya, member Akshatha, Ganesh Jannadi, Dr Abhinav Shetty, Atul Kumar Shetty, Chandra Kasanakatte, Girija, Suresh Jannadi and hundreds of villagers were present.