SHEIKHUPURA, Jan 21: Residents of 10 villages on Saturday demonstrated against Wapda for suspending electricity for the last 20 days. The angry villagers came to Farooqabad SDO and Sheikhupura SE offices where they exchanged hot words with the staff and damaged furniture and other accessories.

The protesting villagers told journalists that they could not water their fields due to power suspension. Students who were preparing for annual examinations also suffered.

They alleged that the officials were corrupt and did not restore electricity unless bribed. They said they have already paid Rs12,000 bribe but SDO Khalid Mahmood was still unhappy. He was demanding more money for the restoration of electricity, they added.

The department called police to disperse the demonstrators. Later, they dispersed on the assurance that the electricity would be restored soon.

When contacted, SDO Khalid said conductors from 11 KV power lines and wires have been stolen.

He rejected the allegation of bribe levelled by the protesters.