Pune: MSEDCL Rural Officials Accused of Misbehaviour and Threatening Citizens Over Electricity Complaints
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Handewadi, 14th June 2026: Officials from the rural division of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) have come under criticism after residents of Handewadi alleged that they were subjected to intimidation, insulting remarks and threats for raising concerns over persistent electricity-related issues in the area.
According to local residents, citizens from Handewadi’s rural areas had approached senior MSEDCL officials at the Rasta Peth office to complain about recurring power outages and inadequate infrastructure. Following the complaint, MSEDCL official Nilesh Raskar allegedly questioned residents over why they had escalated the matter to higher authorities.
Residents claimed that the official attempted to aggressively confront them and used derogatory language against those participating in protests.
“He said that people protesting were merely creating drama and instigating others. He even made objectionable remarks that were disrespectful towards women,” alleged one of the residents present during the interaction.
Citizens further alleged that the official threatened them by saying that electricity supply could be deliberately disconnected and challenged them to “do whatever they wanted.” He allegedly warned residents that if they wanted improved facilities, they would have to tolerate a 50-hour shutdown, otherwise they should “keep their mouths shut.”
The alleged remarks have sparked widespread anger among residents, who termed the behaviour unacceptable and an insult to citizens exercising their democratic right to demand basic public services.
The issue has also gained traction on social media, where local groups and citizens tagged senior political leaders and MSEDCL authorities, seeking immediate intervention. In one such appeal, it was stated that while the Maharashtra Government promotes a people-centric and disciplined administrative culture, incidents involving abusive language, threats to ordinary citizens and objectionable comments about women tarnish the image of good governance.
Citizens further demanded that if any officer working within the administration is found making gender-insensitive and insulting remarks, strict disciplinary action should be initiated against them, including suspension pending inquiry. They argued that failure to act against such behaviour could be interpreted as tacit approval of such conduct.
Residents of Handewadi said they have been consistently following up on issues related to electricity supply, infrastructure development and other public concerns for several months. However, instead of resolving these issues, they alleged that they were being humiliated and intimidated by officials.
Local residents also expressed disappointment, claiming that while MSEDCL officials in urban areas are working towards infrastructure development, some officials in the rural division are allowing personal egos to interfere with public service delivery.
Demanding accountability, protesters and residents have called for the immediate suspension of the concerned official, a high-level inquiry into the incident, and assurances from the authorities that such incidents will not recur in the future.
At the time of publication, the response of the concerned MSEDCL official and the department was not available. The allegations in this report are based on statements made by local residents, protesters and reactions shared publicly on social media.
