28 April 2005	Thursday	18 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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GUJRAT, April 27: Officials of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have been accused of demanding bribe for the provision of new connections and re-installation of the removed meters. Scores of connection seekers on Wednesday complained that the officials had earlier issued them demand notices after taking bribe. And now they were demanding more money for the provision of connections.

They alleged that those who greased their palms were given connections immediately while others were denied the connections on the pretext of out of order machinery or shortage of staff.

Most of the complainants alleged that they had not been given connections for the last five months. Some of them said that their connections had been severed for non-payment of bills.

They alleged that when they visited the office after paying their bills, the officials demanded illegal gratification for re-installing their meters.

They called upon the higher authorities concerned to order a probe into the matter and take strict action against the officials for their involvement in this illegal practice.

Meanwhile, Gujrat office head Chaudhry Ejaz denied the involvement of any of his subordinate in corrupt practices. He claimed that the SNGPL was providing connections timely and on merit.