Another nightmare

Sir, - This refers to the letter ``Telephone nightmare'' by Mr. R. K. Narayan (Dec. 7). I am also a victim of Chennai Telephones. I received a bill for Rs. 1.25 lakhs for July-August 2000 whereas my average call charges did not exceed Rs. 500 since the installation of my telephone in 1996. My representation to the Divisional Engineer, the Deputy General Manager and the General Manager furnishing xerox copies of all my past telephone bills did not evoke any favourable response, except a routine letter stating that the bill raised was as per meter readings.

My representations that only myself and my wife (an old couple on the wrong side of 60) live and that all calls were put to 0900 during midnight hours did not evoke any reply from Chennai Telephones. There were a few calls to Kerala listed in my bill which were also not made by me. I had written and also told them that they can trace the calling party from these Kerala telephone numbers. But the officials simply told me that it was not their job and if I wanted, I could lodge a police complaint.

I made two attempts to call on the Chief General Manager, Chennai Telephones, on the days when he is supposed to meet customers having grievances but on both the days I was directed to meet EO who simply said that nothing can be done as per their rules. The irony is that he always keeps repeating one incident in which an old lady who complained of excessive billing subsequently confessed that her son or grandson later on admitted to making those disputed calls. All cases cannot be like that.

Chennai Telephones did not even agree to my request to accept payment on past average and not to disconnect my telephone till further investigation and arbitration are completed as per the Act. They disconnected my telephone putting my wife and me who are heart patients to great mental agony.

My neighbour also received a similarly inflated telephone bill for Rs. 2.5 lakhs. I understand that many others have similar experiences. I request Mr. R. K. Narayan to form a telephone consumer forum which will consolidate similar complaints and take suitable steps to obtain justice, including dharna.

K. Poornam,

Chennai

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