Agartala, July 6 -- At a time when electricity is the only relief from the scorching summer heat, the prepaid electricity recharge system remained virtually non-functional for three consecutive days due to a server or "link" failure.

After enduring days of inconvenience and uncertainty, public frustration finally erupted in Teliamura, Tripura, on Monday.

What began as a protest by thousands of electricity consumers at the local power office soon escalated into a large-scale agitation, including a blockade of the National Highway, turning the town into a scene of intense unrest. The situation eventually required the intervention of the sub-divisional administration and a large police force. Allegations of a police baton charge further he...