BENGALURU: A 23-year-old woman and her nine-month-old baby girl lost their lives after the woman accidentally stepped on an unattended live electric wire on the pavement near Hope Farm in Bengaluru, on Sunday.
The victims, identified as Soundarya and her child Suviksha, were walking home after arriving from Tamil Nadu when the incident occurred around 6 am. Luggage, a trolley bag, and other belongings were scattered at the scene.
Police reported that both the mother and child were electrocuted and succumbed to burns on the spot. Despite efforts by the woman's husband, Santosh Kumar, to save them, he was unable to prevent the tragedy.
Upon reaching the spot, Kadugodi police transported the bodies to the hospital, and negligence charges were filed against the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) officials. Three Bescom officials were being questioned in connection with the incident.
Karnataka Energy Minister K J George announced that an inquiry was underway, and the lineman, Assistant Engineer (AE), and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) were suspended for dereliction of duty. The state government pledged Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased.
In a statement on social media, Minister George expressed condolences and assured tough actions against anyone else found responsible. He emphasized the government's commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.
Member of Parliament from Bengaluru Central P C Mohan also addressed the incident on social media, calling it heartbreaking and underscoring the need for Bescom to adopt preventive measures to ensure a safer environment.
(With agency inputs)
