Rishikesh, Jun 3 : Seventeen cows and calves grazing in the famous Shantikunj Gaushala grounds here were electrocuted today when power supply was restored on a high tension wire on which a tree had fallen.

According to Ashram officials, about 185 cows and calves were grazing in the Shantikunj Gaushala here this afternoon when without removing the tree, the power supply was restored by the Haripurkalan’s power sub-station near the Ashram.

At least 17 animals who came into contact of the current died on the spot while others ran helter-skelter causing chaos on the grounds. Even those present on the area of about 500 metres of the Gaushala were shaken badly but thankfully no human being was injured, the officials said.

The power supply went off with a big bang soon after the incident.

The power supply to Shantikunj area was affected after a gulmohar tree had fallen on the wire due to rains and high velocity winds.

According to sub-station officials, the accident occurred while restoring power supply in Bhupatwala region as the current was also suplied to the Shantikunj 11000 V power line by mistake without removing the tree.

The grazing cows came into the contact of the power current through the wet tree and wet ground, they said.

The incident also caused damage to many insulators of the Bhupatwala Haridwar sub-station and 132 KV line also developed falt.

The Power Corporation officials from Rishikesh-Raiwala rural region, who reached the accident site after two hours, were trying to pass the buck. (UNI)

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