Callousness by civic authorities in Bengaluru claimed the life of an innocent seven-year-old boy who had gone out to play in his neighbourhood park. The incident occurred in Dr Rajkumar Park in Bengaluru’s in Banaswadi on Sunday, 25 February, when Uday Gor had stepped on a live wire at around 7:30 pm.
Uday was with his five-year-old younger brother when the accident occurred. He also got hurt while trying to rescue his elder brother. Uday was living just three-four buildings from the park.
Passersby were alarmed by the younger brother’s screams, after which they took the two children to a nearby clinic. Doctors declared Uday brought dead and his younger brother was treated for minor injuries.
BESCOM Blames Private Contractor
According to local residents, who gathered in the park on Monday, 25 February, to protest, lamp-posts in the park were being replaced by new ones. It was for this purpose that wires were being dug out. Unfortunately, one of the wires which were left unattended caused the tragedy.
"An FIR has been registered against unnamed officials of the BBMP, BDA and the contractor, who changed the lights in the park, for causing death by negligence," Banaswadi Police Station inspector told The News Minute.
A Kondana Reddy, the corporator of Banaswadi ward, could not be reached for a comment. Neighbouring Kamanhalli ward corporator D Munilakshmamma said he was visiting the park to meet protestors and sent his condolences to the aggrieved family.
In a statement, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) denied any wrongdoing on its part and claimed that the power line was unauthorised and was used for welding purposes. It also said that it will take legal action against the private contractor.
“As first information received, it is learnt that renovation work taken up by BBMP is going on in the said park. The agency who has taken the renovation work has taken un-authorised power supply for welding purpose by skinning out the insulated wire at various points of the LT Street Light. The skinned-out wire has not been covered with insulation after the work is completed. The said boy came in contact with live portion of the said LT wire while playing in the park and got electrocuted.”BESCOM Statement
It added, “Since it is purely the negligence of the implementing agency, it is informed to BBMP to take action against the said agency. Local BESCOM executive engineer is also informed to take legal action against the said agency for having taken un-authorised power supply for welding purpose.”
Sunday’ incident comes within weeks of a similar tragedy in Hyderabad. On 11 February, a six-year-old child died after he was electrocuted while playing with his friends inside an apartment complex.
(The article was originally published on The News Minute.)
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