Pune News: Residents Accuse MSEDCL Official Of Misconduct, Threats Over Complaints On Power Issues In Handewadi
Pune News: Residents Accuse MSEDCL Official Of Misconduct, Threats Over Complaints On Power Issues In Handewadi
Pune, June 15, 2026: Serious allegations have been levelled against officials of the rural division of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEDCL), with residents of Handewadi claiming they were subjected to rude behaviour, insults and threats after raising complaints about persistent electricity-related issues with senior officials in Rasta Peth.
According to local residents, MSEDCL rural division officer Nilesh Raskar allegedly questioned why citizens had escalated their complaints to higher authorities and attempted to aggressively confront them. Protesters and residents further alleged that the officer used derogatory language while referring to those participating in public demonstrations.
Residents claimed the officer allegedly dismissed their concerns by accusing them of “creating drama through protests,” stating that agitators “mislead people” and making other remarks that they considered insulting and disrespectful. Citizens also alleged that threats were made regarding power supply disruptions, with warnings that electricity could be intentionally cut off and that residents should either accept prolonged shutdowns or “remain silent.”
Local residents and activists have condemned the alleged conduct, stating that threatening or humiliating citizens for democratically raising concerns about basic public services is unacceptable. They have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and appropriate disciplinary action against the concerned official.
Residents of the rural Handewadi area have been consistently pursuing authorities for several months regarding issues related to electricity supply, infrastructure development and other public concerns. However, they allege that instead of resolving these problems, officials have resorted to intimidation and disrespectful treatment, leading to growing resentment among the public.
Protesters further claimed that while officials in MSEDCL’s urban division are actively working on infrastructure development projects, officials in the rural division are allowing personal ego and administrative attitudes to hinder progress and public service delivery.
The agitating residents have demanded the immediate suspension of the concerned official and assurances from authorities that similar incidents will not be repeated in the future. They have urged senior MSEDCL officials to conduct an impartial investigation and take strict action if the allegations are found to be true.
Residents have alleged that the official attempted to intimidate them and used insulting remarks against those participating in protests. They claimed he dismissed the agitation as “drama,” accused protesters of provoking people, and made derogatory comments about citizens repeatedly raising the same concerns.
The protesters further alleged that threats were made regarding power supply disruptions, with claims that residents were told to either accept prolonged shutdowns for infrastructure work or remain silent. The official is also accused of warning citizens of consequences if they continued to raise objections.
Local residents have strongly condemned the alleged behaviour, stating that citizens have every democratic right to raise concerns about basic civic amenities such as electricity supply. They have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and appropriate disciplinary action against the concerned official.
Residents of Handewadi’s rural belt have been pursuing issues related to power supply, infrastructure development, and public services for several months. They claim that instead of resolving these long-pending problems, officials have responded with hostility and disrespect, leading to widespread anger in the area.
Protesters have also alleged that while MSEDCL’s urban division is actively working on infrastructure upgrades, progress in rural areas is being hampered by administrative apathy and a lack of responsiveness.
The residents and protest leaders have demanded the immediate suspension of the concerned official pending an inquiry and have sought assurances from the authorities that such incidents will not be repeated in the future.
The allegations have been made by local residents and protesters. MSEDCL’s response to the allegations was not immediately available.
