BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 31st May 2025: A high-voltage surge in the Dighalbak area of Dharmanagar subdivision reportedly damaged electrical appliances in the homes of about fifteen to twenty families yesterday evening, sparking outrage among residents.
According to locals, electricity went out in the area for about an hour. When power was restored, household appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, fans, inverters, and mobile phones allegedly malfunctioned due to excessive voltage. A mechanic later examined the issue and confirmed that while the standard voltage should be 230 volts, the surge exceeded 400 volts.
Affected residents reached out to the local electrical substation, demanding an immediate resolution. In response, the electricity supply was cut off for the night, but communication with the electricity department via the toll-free number remained unsuccessful. “We tried reaching the department, but there was no response,” said a frustrated resident.
Locals claimed that substation officials attempted to de-escalate the situation by involving the police. However, officers reportedly left after hearing the complaints, prompting residents to take matters into their own hands. Later that night, they gathered at the substation in protest, demanding that their losses be compensated and normal electricity service restored. “If our demands are not met, we will continue our protest,” declared one of the demonstrators.
Speaking on the matter, Subrata Das, junior operator at the local substation, explained that the issue stemmed from a malfunction in the transformer’s neutral connection. “The neutral came loose due to contact with two electricity wires, which led to the voltage surge,” he stated. However, Das asserted that repairs were carried out promptly after reporting the problem via the department’s helpline. “This isn’t our direct responsibility, but the technical staff came and fixed it,” he added.
