Brutal Attack on TPWODL’s Electrical Section Officer,Accused Arrested

Sambalpur, swa news : TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) strongly condemns the unfortunate incident of abuse and physical assault on its Section Officer, Mr. Subrat Kumar Dash, and other employees while they were doing their official duties on 25 February 2026.As per information received, an FIR (No. 39) has been registered at Dhama Police Station under Sambalpur district. The accused has been arrested and forwarded to the competent court of law.

To provide context and to clarify all concerned in this matter, as per official records, Mr. Krushna Chandra Karna, F/o- Basudev Karna, a consumer from Putiapaii village (Consumer No. 416231010582), has total outstanding electricity dues amounting to Rs. 46,799. During the current financial year, payments have been made only twice, amounting to a total of Rs. 1815. The consumer is recorded as a regular defaulter. Because of this kind of default consumers, the regularly paying consumers suffer.

In compliance with the guidelines set by the Hon’ble Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), TPWODL disconnected the electricity supply to the consumer due to the non-payment of dues. For this reason, accused Mr. Basudev Karna attacked Mr. Subrat Kumar Dash, Section officer, Sahaspur electrical section.

On 25 February 2026 at around 11:00 AM, Mr. Subrat Kumar Dash, Electrical Section Officer (ESO), Sahaspur, along with his team, was engaged in electricity bill collection activities at Jayaghanta village. During this time,Basudev Karna S/o-Krushna Chandra Karna with two personsof Putiapaii village came there. It is reported that Mr. Basudev Karna allegedly picked up a steel rod from his vehicle and attempted to assault Mr. Dash with the intention of causing serious injury.Mr. Dash managed to avert a head injury but sustained injuries to his left elbow. Other staff members intervened to rescue him. The accused also allegedly used abusive language against the official.

Subsequently, Mr. Dash lodged a formal complaint at Dhama Police Station on 25 February 2026. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 — Sections 126(2), 296, 115(2), and 109.

Hereby, TPWODL requests all consumers and public at large to refrain from all such kind of acts of attacking the workers and officials engaged for public services. Similarly, the company once again urges all consumers to settle their outstanding electricity bills within the designated timeframes through the available payment channels, to avoid any inconvenience caused by service disconnection. We remain committed to uphold the safety and well-being of all our employees in carrying out their duties while providing services to consumers. It is paramount importance in all respect.