The Pomp of Power

In July 2025, a series of deeply disturbing incidents brought to light a phenomenon long simmering beneath the surface of everyday life across many parts of India: the exploitation of basic infrastructure—water, electricity, and sanitation—as instruments of domination, humiliation, and political coercion.

- DEEPAM CHATTERJEE

From rural schoolyards to urban slums, the deliberate denial of essential resources emerged as a chilling tactic—used to suppress dissent, settle scores, and entrench control.

In Karnataka's Hulikatti, on 14 July, a school's water tank was laced with pesticides to falsely implicate the headmaster—leading to the hospitalization of a dozen children. The motive? To force his removal. Three individuals were arrested.

Just days later, on 19 July, a school in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a similar act: its water supply was deliberately contaminated. The apparent objective was to pressure the principal into resigning, regardless of the risk to children or the disruption to education.

In Azamgarh, from 18 July, targeted electricity cuts were inflicted on school staff who resisted local corruption. As a result, there was no water for toilets, no fans during oppressive heat, and ultimately, a breakdown of schooling itself.

In Hisar, Haryana, on 25 July, an entire neighborhood faced a total water cut. This, reportedly, was a coercive measure by authorities to force residents into withdrawing legal complaints against a powerful landowner.

In Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, electricity to a rural school was halted on 20 July in an effort to force the headteacher's compliance over land-related issues. Again, both teaching and water access were disrupted in tandem.

In Dumka, Jharkhand, a prolonged blackout was believed to be retribution against a local leader who opposed a mining project. By 23 July, the village had run dry—silently punished for its defiance.

On 27 July, near Bhilwara, Rajasthan, the electricity of an entire residential society was cut—along with the water supply dependent on electric pumps. The collective impact was immense, yet the goal was specific: to pressure residents into aligning with a local leader's agenda.