"Inhuman and Unjust”: BJP Tribal Wing Protests ₹1+ Lakh Electric Bill That Forced Elderly Couple to Sell Land

January 16, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur 

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

Outrage over an “inhuman” electricity bill imposed on a poor elderly tribal couple escalated on Friday as the BJP’s Adivasi Morcha organised a gherao and protest programme at the Barahar electricity office in Kumarganj block, demanding justice and accountability from the power department.

The protest was sparked by the plight of Bishan Hembram and his wife Sita Baskey, marginal tribal farmers of Dhadalpara Baripukur area, who were allegedly forced to sell their last 9 decimals of land to clear electricity arrears exceeding ₹1 lakh. The couple claimed that despite living without power for nearly a year and using only a single LED bulb, their meter was not read regularly, while dues continued to mount. They were later asked to pay around ₹1.07 lakh, including ₹35,000 as interest.

Raising slogans and condemning the electricity department, hundreds of tribal people gathered under the banner of BJP Adivasi Morcha, pressing six-point demands, including waiver of the entire bill or at least the interest amount. The protest was led by BJP Adivasi Morcha district leader Sushil Mardi, with BJP SC Morcha district leader Jiban Roy also present.Notably, the Assistant Engineer and Station Manager of the Kumarganj electricity office, Nazmul Haque, was absent during the deputation, reportedly due to leave. Junior Engineer Suraj Roy held discussions with the protesters.

Speaking on behalf of the agitators, Sushil Mardi said, “The injustice done to the elderly couple is beyond words. The money taken from them must be refunded immediately, especially the interest. Such exploitation of the poorest is unacceptable.”

The protest also raised another grievance, alleging that a farmer, Boyla Mardi of Beltara village, was falsely accused of electricity theft and denied reconnection despite being acquitted by a court.

The incident has intensified political pressure, as demands grow for a thorough inquiry and humane reforms in electricity billing practices.