Phidim, June 3

Technicians from the Tehrathum branch of Nepal Electricity Authority have been found unlawfully taking additional service charge from locals of Aathrai Rural Municipality in the district.

Bhim Khatiwada and Kaman Singh Tamang from the NEA Terhathum branch have been swindling local customers, taking Rs 600 from them for installing electricity meter box, alleged the locals. They also said they were handed receipts in the name of Sankrati bazaar sub-chapter of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Prem Paudel of the sub-chapter said it had been issuing a joint receipt at the request of the NEA technicians, but pleaded ignorance if NEA technicians were authorised to charge extra money. The chief of the NEA Terhathum’s distribution centre at Jirikhimti, Dipak Dahal said it is illegal on the part of NEA technicians to charge extra money to customers. He pledged action against any of its employees if found guilty.