Bokaro, July 8: Dumri's JMM MLA Jagannath Mahto today locked the state power board's Bermo subdivisional office and also that of a franchisee, entrusted with the task to generate and collect bills, at Phusro market, around 34km from Bokaro steel city, demanding non-stop power to around 18 villages of Nawadih block that get supply for hardly an hour in two days.

Mahto, who is popular for going out of his way to help the needy, first reached the subdivisional office around 10.30am with hundreds of supporters in tow. As the crowd shouted slogans in favour of the MLA and against Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (JUVNL) for failing to provide power to Kadru, Penk, Khuta, Barwapani, Kacho, Mungo, Rangamati, Pokharia, Potso and nine other villages of Nawadih<>, junior engineer Lalit Baxi and others left the office. Others remained confined indoors while the MLA ordered locking of the office.

His next target was M/S Anand Enterprises, which has been roped in by the electricity department to collect bills, check and read meters in the subdivision.

"These engineers and officers either don't pick up the calls of the common people or disconnect them. The pleas of villagers fall on their deaf ears. Villagers are being forced to live in dark while these babus are enjoying regular supply of power," Mahto said.

Later, junior engineer of Phusro electricity department Lalit Baxi and SDO of Nawadih electricity office Vikas Kumar reached at protest site, where the MLA and his men sat on a dharna.

But Mahto asked them to send senior officials for negotiations. Till last reports came in the evening, Mahto and his supporters were still at the spot.