GHAZIPUR, UTTAR PRADESH – A 55-year-old paan shop owner in Ghazipur allegedly died by suicide after facing relentless harassment from the electricity department over an outstanding power bill amounting to Rs 1.12 lakh. The family of the deceased, Surendra Kashyap, claims that the immense pressure and repeated demands for payment drove him to take the extreme step.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Kashyap was found unconscious at his residence on Monday and later passed away at a local hospital. His family has stated that he had been subjected to persistent recovery proceedings and harassment by electricity department officials concerning the substantial bill. This alleged persistent torment is believed to have led to his death.
Sources indicate that the matter of the electricity bill had escalated, with the amount reportedly increasing over time. Reports suggest that an initial demand of Rs 1.12 lakh, stemming from a vigilance inspection that found a bypass connection and led to a case of electricity theft, had grown to Rs 1.85 lakh when it reached the Tehsil office. Despite his family’s claims of financial hardship and Kashyap’s attempts to seek relief from the electricity department and Tehsil officials, they alleged he faced continuous mental distress and pressure to pay.
Kashyap’s wife recounted his despair, stating that he often expressed that if he died, perhaps the bill and penalty would be waived. The family’s financial situation was already precarious, compounded by concerns over the marriage of their two daughters and existing debts, which reportedly overwhelmed Kashyap.
No case has been registered in connection with the incident so far. However, senior district administration officials have reportedly assured the family that a thorough inquiry will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken against any individuals found responsible for the alleged harassment. Efforts to reach officials from the electricity department for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This incident echoes similar tragedies reported in Uttar Pradesh, where individuals have allegedly taken their own lives due to mounting electricity bills and perceived pressure from utility providers. In October 2024, a 25-year-old daily wager in Unnao died by suicide, with his family blaming exorbitant electricity bills, including one for over Rs 1 lakh, for his death. In that case, the state’s Energy Minister had announced action against responsible officials, leading to suspensions and FIRs.
The incident in Ghazipur has sent ripples of anger through the local community, raising critical questions about the methods employed by the electricity department in bill collection and the support systems available for consumers facing financial distress. The deceased, Surendra Kashyap, known fondly as ‘Mahadev’ in his village, is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. His sons, who work outside the district, were en route to their village upon learning of their father’s death.
The Chenab Times News Desk