Pune:
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) on Wednesday disconnected power supply to Samarth police station for non-payment of electricity bills amounting to Rs5.20 lakh. The action was taken as a part of MSEDCL's ongoing drive to recover arrears.
MSEDCL sources said the power connection to the police station was snapped at noon. When this correspondent visited it late in the evening, police personnel were found sitting in the dark.
It was understood that the bill was high as it included the charges for power used to run water pumps in the police quarters. About Rs60,000 are required to pay power bill of pumps every month.
The power utility had cut off supply to the police station about two months ago and the power was restored after issuance of a cheque. It had also cut off power supply to the office of the State Employment Exchange in Rasta Peth recently as it did not pay up Rs50,000 for four months.
The chief engineer of Pune Zone of MSEDCL, SP Nagtilak told DNA he could not comment on any particular incident of power cut, but added, "All government offices were informed about a year ago that they should ensure payment of at least current bills, if not pending ones."
He said that government offices in the district were sent letters by the MSEDCL that they should make financial provision for payment of current bills from April 2010 and this instruction was given about four months before April. "Action has started after a year of notice. How long can the MSEDCL wait?" he asked.
Meanwhile, in-charge of Samarth police station, police inspector SG Bhambure, told DNA it could be a misunderstanding, because the electricity bills of the police station were cleared till September.
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