NAWABSHAH, June 25: The Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company has lodged an FIR at the Sakrand police station against 240 power consumers, including two journalists, for holding a protest against the company on Monday during which its office was ransacked.

A case has been registered against 240 persons, including two journalists — Nasir Rasheed Khanzada and Siddiq Mangrio — for holding a protest against sub-divisional officer, Sakrand, on Monday.

Members of the Nawabshah Press Club have condemned the registration of case against journalists and demanded its withdrawal.

Meanwhile, residents of Sakrand town blocked National Highway for over three hours on Tuesday to protest against the Hesco SDO.

Area people came out of their houses at about 1pm after power supply to their homes was suspended. They burnt tyres on road and raised slogans against Hesco officials. Traffic on the highway remained suspended for three hours. They said they held a protest against Hesco on Monday as well but power went out again on Tuesday morning for hours. They demanded that SDO Mazhar Qureshi should be suspended as he had been sending wrong bills.

District Nazim Faryal Talpur and DCO Abdul Qadir Mangi reached the spot and got power supply restored. They also assured the people that their grievances would be resolved. Later, demonstrators dispersed peacefully.

WATER THEFT: The Qazi Ahmad police have booked 24 growers for stealing water.