In a devastating incident reported at 5:30 AM on November 19, 2023, at Hope Farm Signal Junction in Whitefield, Bengaluru, a fatal electrical accident claimed the lives of a 23-year-old woman, Smt. Sowndarya, and her 9-month-old infant. The incident occurred due to an electrical fault originating from a Distribution Transformer Box in the Oudumbara Homes apartment at Mythri Layout. Senior officials from BESCOM, including the Managing Director, DT, CE, SE, and EI, promptly visited the site following the directions of the Hon’ble Energy Minister to conduct a thorough investigation. The inquiry revealed that a short circuit in the Distribution Transformer Box led to the snapping of an 11kV Overhead HT Line, causing it to fall on the ground at 3:50 AM. Although the feeder tripped at Kadugodi Station, a subsequent test at 3:55 AM indicated the line was functional despite the fallen wire. Tragically, at 5:30 AM, the mother inadvertently stepped on the live wire, resulting in the electrocution of both herself and her child. Responding to the grave incident, the Energy Minister swiftly took action, suspending two officers (AEE Sri. T Subramani, AE Sri. S Chetan) and three employees (JE Sri. Rajanna, LM Sri. Basavaraju, JLM Manjunath Revanna) while issuing Show Cause Notices to two officers (SE Sri. M Lokesh Babu, EE Sri. V Sriramu). This action was taken due to suspected deviation from duty and improper line maintenance, as per the initial investigation report. A detailed report from CEI (Chief Electrical Inspector) is pending. In a compassionate move, the Energy Minister announced a compensation of Rs. 10 Lakhs to the deceased family members, providing Rs. 5 Lakhs to each of the bereaved families. The Managing Director of BESCOM has instructed all field engineers to prioritize preventive maintenance rigorously. Regular reviews every 15 days have been mandated to ensure compliance with safety protocols and maintenance standards. This tragic incident has prompted stringent actions and a heightened focus on ensuring the utmost diligence in electrical infrastructure maintenance and safety measures across the city.
Four Teams Set Up To Probe Case Of Mother-Child Electrocution: K’taka Energy Minister
Karnataka Energy Minister K J George announced the formation of four specialized teams to probe the tragic electrocution incident that claimed the lives of a 23-year-old woman and her nine-month-old daughter. The incident unfolded on the outskirts of Whitefield, Bengaluru, where the mother, carrying her child, inadvertently stepped on an active electric wire, resulting in their immediate demise. In response to the heartbreaking event, Minister George revealed the formation of dedicated investigative units. One team hails from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), while the other has been assembled from the local police force.
