Telangana HRC takes suo motu cognizance of Ramanthapur electrocution tragedy
Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) took suo-motu cognizance of the mishap where Six died during the Krishna Janmashtami Shobha Yatra at Ramanthapur, Hyderabad. The commission called for a comprehensive report from the Chairman and Managing Director, Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) by Friday.
It is pertinent to note that a decorated metal chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna came into contact with live overhead electrical wires after the towing jeep broke down and devotees attempted to pull it manually, which led to the mischap.
According to the reports, a snapped/dangling unused cable wire had fallen on an 11 kV high-tension power line, thereby transmitting current to the iron/brass frame of the chariot. As a result, five devotees were electrocuted on the spot and one more succumbed later in hospital, raising the death toll to six. Four others sustained grievous injuries, including the gunman of Union Minister Kishan Reddy and a police constable.
The reports further highlight that locals had previously lodged complaints regarding the unsafe dangling wires, but the same were not rectified. The incident sparked protests by locals demanding strict action against negligent officers, higher compensation, and jobs for the families of the deceased.
“The Commission, upon careful consideration, is of the opinion that the tragic incident reveals serious lapses in public safety measures, gross negligence of concerned authorities, and violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” said the Commission in a statement.
Accordingly, the Commission hereby takes suo-motu cognizance of the matter and calls for a comprehensive report from the Chairman & Managing Director, Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) by Aug 22, touching on the following points: the precise cause of the electrocution incident, responsibility for allowing hazardous dangling cable wires to remain unattended, preventive and corrective measures taken immediately after the incident, compensation and rehabilitation measures for the victims’ families and the injured, and long-term safety measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies during public gatherings/festivals.
