Malkangiri, July 23 (UDN): A routine electricity bill collection drive took a dramatic turn in Odisha’s Malkangiri district after an electricity department employee was allegedly threatened at gunpoint over an outstanding ₹140 power bill, leading to the arrest of the accused and the seizure of suspected illegal firearms.

The incident occurred at Nilimariguda village under the jurisdiction of Malkangiri Police Station, where the electricity worker had gone to collect pending dues from a consumer.

According to police, an argument broke out during the visit, following which the consumer allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot the employee. The worker managed to leave the spot safely and later lodged a complaint with the police.

Firearm and Ammunition Recovered

Acting on the complaint, police conducted a raid at the accused’s residence and recovered a firearm, live ammunition, gunpowder, and other materials suspected to be associated with the manufacture or possession of illegal weapons.

The accused was taken into custody and later produced before a local court.

Confirming the development, Malkangiri IIC Regan Kindo said the dispute arose during the collection of the pending electricity bill.

“The consumer allegedly threatened the electricity employee with a firearm after an argument over the payment. Based on the complaint, we registered a case, detained the accused, and seized a gun, old firearms, and gunpowder from his house. He has been forwarded to court,” the officer said.

Probe into Illegal Arms

Police have launched a separate investigation to determine the origin of the recovered weapons and whether the accused had links to any illegal arms network.

Officials said they are examining how the firearms were procured and whether other individuals were involved in possessing or manufacturing illegal weapons.

What initially appeared to be a dispute over a nominal electricity bill has now evolved into a broader investigation into suspected illegal arms possession in the region.