Protesting farmers, police scuffle over power supply

Tense moments prevailed at the office of the Bescom superintending engineer on Friday, as members of the Raitha Sangha-Hasiru Sene who were demanding uninterrupted power supply, laid siege to the office.

The protesters were angry with the officers over irregular power supply in the region which had severely affected farmers.

The protest, however, turned violent after the protesters broke window panes of the office and tried to forcefully enter the office, alleging that an Accounts officer had abused them. The protesters and policemen were involved in a scuffle after the later tried to stop the angry mob.

“A few days a ago protests were held against the Bescom following which power supply was regular. This, however, was shortlived as Bescom has once again resorted to its old antics,” they added. The protesters said that students were the worst affected as this was exam period and lack of power affected their studies.

Superintending Engineer Shivaram heard the complaints of the protesters. However, when the Accounts Officer, Murali, ridiculed the protesters, it enraged them. and they demanded immediate suspension of the officer. Murali, however, took to heels seeing protest against him.

CPI Jagadish and PSI Ambareesh controlled the situation and no untoward incidents were reported.