Power disrupted for 10,000 in Jabalpur after assault, feeder shutdown at Madhotal substation

Jabalpur: Power distribution company officials have sought strict police action against a group of consumers in the city for allegedly assaulting staff, damaging infrastructure and forcibly disrupting electricity supply to nearly 10,000 consumers at the Madhotal substation.According to a complaint filed by East Discom’s Jabalpur city circle, an FIR was registered after accused persons allegedly assaulted a substation operator, vandalised equipment and unauthorisedly shut down four 11 kV feeders — Katangi, Amkhera, ITI and Lamti — at the 33/11 kV Madhotal substation on May 1. The incident led to a power outage affecting around 10,000 consumers, with supply remaining disrupted for nearly 2 hours and 50 minutes before being restored. Officials assessed the damage to electrical infrastructure at around Rs 40,000 and said the acts fall under relevant provisions of the Electricity Act, including unauthorised interruption of power supply and damage to utility property.In a related incident on May 4, power officials alleged that during an inspection of premises in the Vijaynagar division to check suspected irregularities in electricity usage, a group led by Sanjay Yadav created a ruckus and obstructed govt work. Officials said the team was verifying dues and suspected power theft at two consumer connections when the accused and his associates allegedly misbehaved with staff and prevented further action.The situation escalated when the main accused allegedly threatened self-harm by pouring petrol on himself, forcing officials to halt the inspection midway. Police personnel present at the spot witnessed the incident, officials said, adding that video evidence is also available.Discom authorities have written to Madhotal police seeking action against the accused under relevant legal provisions, stating that such incidents not only endanger staff but also disrupt essential public services.