Nagpur: The District and Sessions Court in Nagpur has imposed a total fine of Rs 10,500 on a man who abused and assaulted an engineer of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The court also ordered imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

The accused, identified as Sheikh Chhotesaheb Sheikh Nawab (40), a resident of Baba Faridnagar in Kharbi, was found guilty of verbally abusing and slapping Assistant Engineer Harish Mungse on April 28, 2023. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Wathoda Police Station.

According to reports, Mungse was working as an assistant engineer at MSEDCL’s Khardbi office when the accused arrived, claiming he had received a call from the power company to replace his electricity meter. A verbal argument ensued between the accused and the staff, during which Mungse intervened. The accused then allegedly abused and physically assaulted Mungse.

Following the incident, Wathoda police booked the accused under IPC Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duty), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

Judge N.R. Talekar of the sessions court held the accused guilty under Sections 353, 332, and 186 of the IPC. He was fined Rs 5,000 under Section 353, with one month of simple imprisonment in case of default. An additional fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed under Section 352 for using criminal force, along with another month of simple imprisonment if the amount remains unpaid. A separate Rs 500 fine was imposed under Section 186, with a week’s imprisonment in default. The court also cancelled the bail granted to the accused earlier.

The verdict serves as a strong reminder of the legal consequences of obstructing public servants from performing their official duties.