Belagavi Power Officials Accuse Congress MLC of Assault Over Bill Disconnection

Two officers from the Hubli Electric Supply Company have accused Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi of physically attacking them in Belagavi. The dispute began after the officials cut off electricity to a stone crusher business linked to one of the politician's supporters due to unpaid bills.

The Incident

Assistant Executive Engineer Deepak Kumar and section officer Raju stated that the MLC called them to his house in Kuvempu Nagar on Friday. According to the officers, the politician shouted at them and hit them because they disconnected power to Lakshmi Stone Crusher. The firm, owned by associate Pramod Jadhav, had pending electricity dues of ₹77,360 spanning three months. The staff explained they were just following official orders to recover dues and told the MLC to talk to senior managers, but the officers reported that he refused to listen and assaulted them anyway. Following the clash, utility workers gathered outside the Belagavi APMC Police Station on Friday to protest and demand a formal police case.

The Defense

Mr. Hattiholi, who is the younger brother of former Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, denied all allegations of violence. He claimed he only asked the staff to turn the power back on and promised that the consumer would clear the pending amount. He maintained that he never hit, insulted, or abused anyone.