Sonamura: Tension gripped the Sonamura Electric Office today after local residents locked its gates and staged a demonstration, protesting against a sharp and unexplained rise in electricity bills.
According to the protesters, an abnormal increase in power bills over recent months has caused widespread resentment among consumers in the area, many of whom allege they are being overcharged without adequate explanation from the department.
Raising slogans against the Electricity Department, the agitators demanded the immediate withdrawal of the inflated bills and called for a comprehensive reassessment of billing practices. The protest briefly disrupted normal functioning at the office as demonstrators blocked entry by locking the premises.
On receiving information about the escalating situation, local administration and police personnel rushed to the spot. Officials engaged in discussions with the protesters in an effort to defuse tensions and restore order.
Following the intervention, the situation, which had remained tense for some time, gradually returned to normal. However, no official response or clarification has yet been issued by the Electricity Department regarding the allegations of inflated billing.
Residents have warned of further agitation if their demands for a bill review are not addressed soon.