In a tragic incident in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, a tea vendor named Shivpal Singh suffered a fatal heart attack after receiving an electricity bill of 1.60 lakh rupees for just three months. Despite having no major appliances such as air conditioning in his home, the installation of a smart meter led to an unexpectedly high bill. Shivpal had been visiting the electricity department for several months seeking clarification and resolution but faced continuous stress and frustration without any response, ultimately leading to his heart attack.

The aftermath of his death prompted fierce protests by his family and community, who placed his body outside the electricity department's office to demand accountability. Shivpal’s daughter, Rakhi, accused the department of negligence and corruption, stating that despite limited electricity consumption in their household, the smart meter had resulted in exorbitant bills. She described how her father, who sold tea from a cart, had spent countless hours trying to resolve the billing issue, only to be met with corruption and a lack of support from the department.

This incident highlights the broader issues within India's electricity distribution system, where consumers often face overwhelming bills and inadequate support. The family's claims of corruption and the stress inflicted upon Shivpal raise serious questions about the management practices of the electricity department. As the local community rallies around the family in grief and protest, there is renewed scrutiny on the practices of utility companies and their accountability to the public, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in the sector.