Gujarat : Power Cut Ignored as DGVCL Staff Caught in Liquor Party

Bharuch, Gujarat — A shocking case of dereliction of duty and public betrayal has come to light in Gujarat’s Bharuch district. When Dhawal Rajendra Shah, a resident of Tower Faliya in Jhagadia, faced a power outage at his home on Sunday night, he called the DGVCL office 38 times seeking help — but got no response.

Frustrated and left in the dark, Shah reached the Jhagadia DGVCL electricity office with his wife and elderly mother, only to find the officials there drunk and partying during work hours. The shocking video, recorded on his mobile, shows electricians enjoying a liquor party, bottles on the office table, completely indifferent to complaints pouring in from citizens.

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“I was stunned. They didn’t pick up the phone even after 38 calls. When I reached the office, they were having a liquor party right there. If I had not gone, we would’ve slept in darkness the whole night,” said Dhawal Shah.

Captured Red-Handed

The video, now viral on social media, shows DGVCL workers attempting to hide liquor bottles when confronted. One employee can be seen hurriedly concealing a bottle, while others remain unresponsive and inebriated. Shah’s mobile footage has since sparked massive public anger over the misuse of public office and complete disregard for essential services.

“Had it been a poor villager, they would’ve been helpless. I had resources and transport, so I went. What about others?” Shah asked, demanding strict disciplinary action.

The Power Outage That Exposed the Rot

The power cut initially affected the street, but technicians restored the line. However, Shah’s home remained without power, possibly due to a blown fuse or isolated fault. Still, despite his repeated calls to Jhagadia DGVCL, no help came. What began as a basic service request soon became a damning exposure of state utility negligence.

DGVCL Responds: Inquiry Ordered

When contacted, Umesh Chander, Superintending Engineer (SE) of Jhagadia DGVCL, confirmed they were aware of the video and had forwarded the matter to higher authorities.

“We have seen the video. A report has been sent to our seniors. The matter will be thoroughly investigated, and necessary action will be taken,” Chander told reporters.

However, locals are demanding immediate suspension of those involved and calling for accountability across DGVCL offices, not just Jhagadia.

Public Trust Damaged

This incident has once again raised questions about the functioning of government utility services and the impunity enjoyed by some public servants. In a region where timely electricity is crucial—especially during monsoon rains and frequent outages—the fact that officials were partying while citizens suffered has sparked widespread condemnation.

With the video still circulating and voices growing louder, DGVCL is now under pressure to set an example by acting swiftly and transparently.

“We trust these people with our daily lives. This is not a mistake—it’s criminal negligence,” said another angry resident of Tower Faliya.

The Gujarat government, which has often touted digital and efficient governance, may have to reassess the ground reality of such claims—especially when citizens are left in the dark while government staff are busy drinking.