TPWODL Condemns Assault and Illegal Confinement of Field Staff During Restoration Work in Deogarh District

• Local ground staff are the real heroes, working in extreme temperatures and through Kalbaisakhi storms to ensure reliable power supply to lakhs of consumers.
• Files an FIR at Reamal Police Station. Three persons allegedly involved in the incident detained by the police.

Burla/Deogarh, 29 May 2026: TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) strongly condemns the unfortunate incident that occurred in the Dudhianal area under Tileibeni Block of Deogarh district, where field employees engaged in power restoration work were allegedly abused, assaulted, and forcibly tied to an electric pole by a group of local villagers.

The incident took place amid extensive restoration activities undertaken following the severe Kalbaishakhi storms that struck the region on 25th and 26th May 2026. The storm caused widespread damage to electrical infrastructure in Dudhianal, Kansar, and Laimura Gram Panchayats, including breakage of HT and LT poles, snapping of conductors due to uprooted trees, and damage to distribution transformers.

The Gohira feeder, which supplies power to the affected area, suffered major damage involving breakage of four HT poles, including CT/PT pole, snapping of conductors over more than 20 spans, bending of multiple cross arms with damage spreading across nearly 5 kms. of network.

Despite continuous adverse weather conditions and repeated storms, TPWODL field teams worked tirelessly, often late into the night, in difficult and hazardous conditions to restore electricity supply to consumers at the earliest possible time. Restoration work was carried out in coordination with Fire Services personnel for clearance of uprooted trees and access restoration.

However, while restoration activities resumed on 28th May, certain local individuals, agitated over the delay caused by severe weather damage, resorted to abusive behaviour and unlawfully restrained the on-duty staff by tying them to an electric pole.

Upon receiving information about the incident, TPWODL officials immediately informed the local administration and police authorities. The police acted promptly, rescued the employees safely, and registered an FIR at Reamal Police Station. Three persons allegedly involved in the incident have been detained by the police, and further investigation is underway.

TPWODL wishes to remind the public that assaulting, threatening, obstructing, or unlawfully confining employees discharging essential public utility services is a serious and punishable offense under the law. Such acts not only endanger the lives and morale of frontline workers but also delay restoration activities, thereby affecting the larger community.

Our linemen and field personnel work under extremely challenging conditions, including storms, heavy rain, damaged infrastructure, and electrical hazards, to ensure restoration of power supply for consumers. They remain committed to serving the public round the clock, especially during emergencies and natural calamities. Tata Power led Discoms employ around 26000 Linemen/ field staff belonging to various part of the State.

The discom appeals to all consumers and members of the public to cooperate with field staff during restoration work, maintain patience during natural disaster situations, and support the efforts of frontline workers who are risking their safety to restore normalcy under such adverse conditions.

TPWODL also expresses its gratitude to the local police administration, SDPO, Additional SP, and all supporting agencies for their swift response and cooperation in ensuring the safety of the employees and maintaining law and order.

All TPWODL consumers are requested to report power outages, safety concerns, or restoration-related issues through the company’s official customer care channels and local offices for prompt assistance and updates. Consumers are requested not to engage in any unlawful activities or obstruct restoration teams, as such actions hamper emergency response efforts and delay restoration for the wider community.