Dark Diwali for a family

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 8

It was a dark Diwali for family of Najma, a resident of Khuda Ali Sher, whose power connection was cut off from her rented house. 

It happened after she reported that Najma was receiving electricity bills despite the fact her own house was demolished by the UT Administration in April. The family alleged despite requests, new meter has not been allotted to their house owner. It was on October 30 that it was reported that Najma’s house was among several others razed to the ground during a demolition drive by the Administration, but the family is still receiving electricity bills for that address.

After The Tribune report, Electricity Department Officials went to the family’s rented accommodation. Officials claimed their power connection was illegal so they had to cut it off. 

However, Najma’s husband Jasbir said: “There are a number of illegal connections in the area, but why were only we singled out after the news. Despite the fact that my house owner has requested for new meter, it has not been installed. It is like officials are taking revenge. We have been living in the dark for the past several days.”