Assam: Electricity department’s negligence leaves family without power for two months in Dhubri

A family in Agomani's Gharialdanga area in Dhubri, Assam has been left without electricity for the past two months. The issue arose when an inflated electricity bill of Rs 1,90,000 was mistakenly issued in the name of Ashraful Haque, an unknown individual, at the residence of Abida Parbin, a resident of Gharialdanga, Kherbari P-IV in Dhubri.

Abida Parbin, whose regular monthly electricity bill is typically between Rs 250 and Rs 300, was shocked to receive the exorbitant bill in October 2024. Matters worsened when the electricity department disconnected her power supply two months ago due to the alleged non-payment of the erroneous bill. This left Parbin and her young child without electricity, forcing them to endure severe hardships in the absence of basic amenities.

The situation became more complicated when Ashraf Ali, Parbin's father-in-law, who has no electricity connection, was mistakenly entangled in the controversy. The bill, issued by the Agomani Electrical Sub-Division in the name of Ashraful Haque, created unnecessary confusion and hardship for the family.

When Parbin attempted to file a complaint, instead of resolving the issue, the electricity department staff allegedly threatened her. Reports suggest that department staff even suggested Parbin sell her land to pay the erroneous bill, raising concerns about deep-rooted irregularities within the department.

For the past two months, Parbin has been enduring the severe consequences of the electricity department's negligence. Despite multiple appeals for assistance, authorities have not intervened, leaving the family in a state of helplessness. Parbin is now demanding a high-level investigation into the matter, urging government action to hold the responsible officials accountable.

The incident has caused widespread outrage among the local community, highlighting systemic mismanagement within the electricity department.