LARKANA, Dec 21: Hesco authorities on Saturday disconnected power supply to 70 villages in the Ratodero and Naudero sub- divisions for default in power dues.

The total amount outstanding against the consumers was said to be Rs12,238,897, WAPDA sources told this correspondent, adding that transformers, supplying electricity to these villages, had also been removed.

The villages, whose electricity supply has been disconnected, included Gokalpur, Islam Chachar, Juneja, Solangi, Tarai, Sain Rakhiyo Brohi, Walan Jamali, Daim Khan Brohi, Bahman, Kharos, Shahnawaz, Warisdino Mashi and Allahabad Jalbani.

The sources said that the consumers had been warned to clear their dues time and again.

Probe ordered: The District Police Officer (DPO) on Saturday ordered a probe into the alleged torture by the Sujawal police on a worker of a Bedi factory, Mohammed Saleh Tunio.

The Taluka Police Officer, Mirokhan, Asad Bhatti, has been appointed as the inquiry officer.

According to reports, a police head constable, Mushtaque Gopang, posted at the Filhree police check-post in the jurisdiction of the Sujawal police station, had picked up the labourer on charges of being involved in a theft case.

He was severely beaten up at police post and was released after he (the labourer) had promised to grease the palms of the constable.

Meanwhile, the labourer held a press conference on Saturday and displayed signs of torture before the newsmen.

He said that he worked in a Bedi factory and had nothing to do with the crime in question.

Local leader of the Watandost Mazdoor Federation, Aziz Abbasi, organized a rally to protest against the police brutality.

Later, he held a meeting with the DPO (investigation) and apprised him about the situation.