Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Operations at the MIDC Waluj police station came to a complete halt after electricity supply was disconnected for nearly six hours due to pending dues. With computer systems shutting down, complaint registrations and other official procedures were suspended, forcing citizens to wait for several hours. The disruption at an essential service facility has once again exposed gaps in administrative coordination.
The power supply was abruptly cut on Monday morning, causing confusion at the police station. All computerized systems stopped functioning. Online complaint registration, documentation processes, and other administrative tasks were entirely stalled. As a result, citizens who had arrived to file complaints were forced to wait until 2 pm. According to sources, a smart meter had been installed at the police station a few months ago. Under this automated system, electricity supply is disconnected without prior notice if bills remain unpaid. The electricity bill issued by MSEDCL is forwarded by the police station to the concerned department of the Police Commissionerate. However, due to a delay in payment, a total of Rs 98,000 was outstanding. Although Rs 36,000 was paid in March, Rs 62,000 remained pending. The smart meter automatically disconnected the supply due to this outstanding amount. The absence of electricity severely affected police operations, and complainants had to wait for long hours. Eventually, after police authorities contacted MSEDCL officials, power supply was restored around 2 pm, nearly six hours later. The disruption of electricity at a police station an essential public service raises serious concerns and highlights the lack of coordination between departments. There is a growing demand for concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Limited Response
When contacted, MSEDCL assistant engineer Ravi Mirgane stated only that “the power supply was restored immediately,” and declined to comment on the reason behind the disconnection.