``Though we knew the fault had occurred in a 200 pair cable on the Undhera stretch, we couldn't correct the fault earlier as the exact location of the snag could not be traced. However, the fault has now been detected and most connections restored,'' Divisional Engineer of the Koyali Telephone Exchange A P Singh told Express Newsline.

While a Junior Telecom Officer had on Tuesday stated in a section of the press that the department was holding IOC responsible for the fault, Singh clarified the remark saying, ``It has been confirmed that the fault was related to the monsoon and not because of the IOC's work. However, the IOC's digging around the area had earlier damaged a 600 pair cable. But this fault was corrected a long time ago''.

DoT had also earlier stated in the press that a letter had been given to IOC authorities demanding an explanation for fault. However, IOC PRO Ajit Pathak denied the company having received any such intimation. ``A senior official was quoted by a section of the press on Wednesday saying that he had written to the IOC authorities demanding an explanation in this regard. However, we have received no such correspondence from the DoT,'' he said.

Meanwhile, confirming the restoration of telephone connections in the area, DoT General Manager Rakesh Babu, however, claimed ignorance of any debate with the IOC over the matter.