Bhopal: The power supply to Badwai village in Raisen district where Aamir Khan`s much acclaimed "Peepli Live" was shot has been discontinued due to alleged non-
payment of dues of over Rs 3.5 lakh by the film unit and the village has been without electricity for the last fortnight.
The matter was raised on Friday in the Madhya Pradesh
Assembly during the Zero Hour by Arif Aqueel of Congress.
Aqeel alleged that villagers were forced to live without
electricity as the film unit had failed to pay the power dues.
The film unit allegedly owes Rs 3.5 lakh to the state
utility. Some villagers, including Masterji, Gaya Prasad (who
featured in the film) were also among the defaulters, the
power supply company sources said.
The power supply to the main water source, a borewell,
has also been disconnected.
Javed Khan, a resident of Badwai, said while villagers
owed petty amounts, the film unit`s bill was hefty and it was
not possible for the villagers to pay it.
Power Distribution Company`s Gauharganj Junior Engineer,
Rajkumar said that total dues from Badwai and nearby villages
stood at nearly Rs 4.5 lakh.
"Even if a small part of dues are paid, the electricity
supply will be restored," he said.
PTI