Telangana power utility assistant engineer arrested for demanding electricity metre bribe

The TGSPDCL official was taken into custody following a complaint regarding the demand for illicit money in exchange for expediting the installation of new electricity metres. According to reports, the engineer had sought the bribe from a customer attempting to obtain a fresh electricity connection in the city.

The case was registered after the complainant approached authorities with details of the alleged extortion attempt. Investigators confirmed the demand and subsequently apprehended the official at his workplace. The amount sought represented a significant markup over legitimate connection fees and charges.

This incident underscores persistent concerns about corruption within state-run power distribution utilities, where officials in position to approve new connections have previously been implicated in similar schemes. TGSPDCL authorities have stated they are cooperating with investigating agencies to determine the extent of the official's involvement in other cases.

The arrested engineer is expected to face charges under relevant anti-corruption statutes. The incident has renewed focus on administrative accountability measures within Telangana's power sector, with state authorities indicating they will strengthen oversight mechanisms for connection approval processes.