A resident from the Thanneer Pandhal area of Coimbatore has alleged that bribes were demanded at multiple stages while converting a temporary electricity supply into a domestic connection after completing house construction.
According to the complaint, a foreman who came for inspection collected Rs 2,000. The resident also said an official payment of Rs 13,000 was taken with a bill, citing a procedure even though an electric line was already nearby.
The resident further alleged that additional amounts were sought separately for processing the application and estimate, and for materials and labour—totalling Rs 9,500 as bribes—despite the official charges already being paid. Even after making these payments, the connection was provided only after three weeks of repeated reminders.
The complaint adds that problems continue after the connection: the meter has not been sealed and one phase in the three-phase supply is not working. When the lineman was approached, he allegedly asked for another Rs 1,500 in the name of “labour charges,” leaving the resident distressed after nearly two months of struggle.
