High-voltage protest over electrocution

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 26

Family members and residents of Indira Colony in Mani Majra blocked traffic for over four hours today near the Fun Republic mall by placing the body of 17-year-old Golu, who died of an electric shock from wires of a street light pole near the Mani Majra bus stand on June 24, on the road.

They were pacified only after they were assured of a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for next of kin of the deceased by the SDM and registration of an FIR against employees of the electricity wing of the MC under Section 304 A (death due to negligence) at the Mani Majra police station.

People had earlier given a complaint against the Mayor, Commissioner and the Chief Engineer. However, the FIR did not name them.

Commuters coming to the Mani Marja bus stand had to face huge inconvenience due to the protest. The protesters raised slogans against the police and the MC, demanding action against the guilty. Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal, city Congress president Pardeep Chhabra, UT SSP Eish Singhal, the area councillor and the SDM rushed to the spot. The protesters gheraoed the Mayor's vehicle and raised slogans against her.

Earlier, thinking that Golu could be alive, the family had partially buried his body in wet soil for recovery for over six hours at the house in Indira Colony on June 24.

Golu, who used to sell curtains at Mani Majra, died when he came in contact with live wires in an electricity pole. The junction box was missing. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Mani Majra, from where he was referred to GMSH, Sector 16. Doctors at the hospital further referred him to the PGI. He was declared brought dead at the PGI.

Golu was the only breadwinner of the family. His mother had died two months ago. His father, Jai Singh, was under depression ever since her death. Golu was the eldest of the siblings. He is survived by his father, two sisters and a four-year-old younger brother.

Mayor marks probe

Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal on Monday marked an inquiry into the incident to the MC Additional Commissioner, seeking a detailed report within seven days following which action will be taken against those found at fault. She has asked the area councillor to look into the matter independently and fix responsibility.

SDE repatriated

The Mayor asked NP Sharma, Chief Engineer, to take necessary action for the immediate repatriation of Sanjeev Kumar, area Subdivisional Engineer, electricity wing, MC, to Himachal Pradesh. He was later repatriated and will be relieved on Tuesday. She directed the Chief Engineer to check all junction boxes, fuse wires and earth wires by Tuesday and prepare a detailed report.