Tension prevailed in Odisha’s Deogarh district on Thursday morning after angry villagers allegedly tied electricity department workers to a power pole over a prolonged power outage in the area.

The incident was reported from Dudhianali village under Riamal police limits, where residents have reportedly been living without electricity for the last four days following Kalbaisakhi damage.

According to local sources, power supply in the village was disrupted after strong winds and rain damaged electricity infrastructure on Monday. Villagers alleged that despite repeated complaints, restoration work had not been completed, leaving the entire village in darkness.

As resentment among residents grew, tension escalated on Thursday morning when villagers allegedly tied electricity department workers to a pole while demanding immediate restoration of power supply.

Workers later released by villagers

Sources said the villagers later released the workers after department officials assured them that efforts would be made to restore normal electricity supply and prevent such prolonged outages in future.

Before releasing the workers, villagers reportedly warned officials that repeated power disruption and delayed repair work should not continue in the area.

Residents said the prolonged outage had severely affected daily life, particularly during the ongoing heat and humid weather conditions.

Engineers seek police protection

Following the incident, electricity department engineers and workers have reportedly sought police protection while carrying out restoration work in the area.

Sources said department staff expressed concern over safety after the protest turned aggressive.

The incident comes at a time when several parts of Odisha are facing power disruption and infrastructure damage following recent Kalbaisakhi storms and heavy rain.

Also Read: Repeated Kalbaisakhi storms leave Rourkela in darkness, residents struggle amid power outage

No official statement has yet been issued by the electricity department or police regarding the incident.