Protesting staff snap power connection at Nitish Kumar's programme venue

PATNA: Angry over police lathicharge on them, agitating employees of various state power companies today allegedly snapped electricity supply at the venue of a function attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and manhandled a senior officer of the department.

The power supply at Ravindra Bhawan, the venue of a JD(U) medical unit programme addressed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, was snapped by the agitating employees.

Sources in the Ravindra Bhawan said they had to use generators throughout the programme.

The Chief Minister attended the function but did not say anything on this issue.

The agitated employees also manhandled Chief Engineer S K Singh while he was going inside the office before which they were holding protest.

They had snapped electricity supply in most areas of the state capital last night to protest against the police action, and the power was restored in the wee hours today.

Nearly 18 people, including 10 policemen, were injured when agitating employees clashed with the police here yesterday. The police had used batons to control the stone pelting agitators on the busy Bailey Road.

Members of 17 unions of the Bihar State Power Board which has now been divided into various companies were agitating on service related matters including removal of Sanjay Aggarwal, Managing Director of North and South Bihar power distribution company.