Assam Power Department penalises highway contractor J Infratech over illegal electricity use in Dhubri

A highway construction company engaged in the National Highway 127-B project in Assam’s Dhubri district has been fined by the state electricity department for allegedly using unauthorized power connections at its worksite.

According to officials, J Infratech Private Limited, which is executing the highway project stretching from Srirampur through Dhubri to the Phulbari Bridge, was found illegally drawing electricity from local power infrastructure during a raid conducted in the Tamarhat area.

The operation was carried out by officials of the Gosaigaon Electricity Sub-Division following a tip-off regarding alleged power theft at the project site. After inspection and verification of the connections, the department imposed a fine of ₹20,408 on the company.

Officials alleged that the company had been operating the unauthorized setup for an extended period without obtaining approval from the electricity department. Preliminary findings indicated that electricity was allegedly being drawn directly from a high-capacity transformer under the jurisdiction of the Gosaigaon subdivision.

During the inspection, authorities also reportedly found the use of subsidized domestic LPG cylinders at labour camps associated with the construction site instead of commercial LPG cylinders mandated for industrial and commercial use.

The incident has triggered allegations of possible collusion involving temporary employees linked to the local electricity department. Local sources claimed that such an operation could not have continued for a prolonged period without internal assistance. However, no official statement confirming departmental involvement has been issued so far.

Sources at the site said several workers and employees left the area when the inspection team arrived to document the alleged illegal power connections.

The development has drawn criticism from local residents and regional groups, who questioned how a company handling a centrally funded infrastructure project allegedly resorted to unauthorized utility use.

Some local organisations and residents have urged the National Highways Authority to initiate strict action against the contractor, including possible blacklisting, pending further investigation.

An on-site employee of the company, speaking anonymously after the raid, claimed that workers were acting on instructions from site management to continue operations.