Kendrapara: In a distressing incident, an 86-year-old widow has staged a protest outside the local electricity office in Odisha's Kendrapara district, alleging prolonged denial of an electricity connection despite repeated appeals.

Elderly widow sits on dharna with family in scorching heat

The elderly woman, identified as Marua Swain from Koilipur village, has been sitting on a dharna in front of the Assistant Engineer’s office under Rajnagar block along with her widowed daughter and granddaughter. The protest comes after nearly 30 months of unsuccessful attempts to secure a power connection.

Alleged pending dues linked to deceased husband stall connection

According to the family, the electricity department has refused to provide the connection citing outstanding dues allegedly incurred between 2011 and 2017 in the name of her husband. However, the woman claims that her husband had passed away in 2007, making the charges questionable.

Frustrated by continuous delays and lack of resolution, the family has resorted to protest, braving intense heat to draw attention to their plight. The elderly widow has accused the department of harassment and exploitation, stating that despite multiple visits to the office, no concrete action has been taken.

The incident has raised concerns over administrative accountability and the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in accessing basic services. Authorities are yet to respond publicly to the allegations.