NewKerala.com

Key Points

A shocking series of electrocution deaths has gripped Kolkata, with the latest incident involving a 66-year-old woman. The tragic incidents have raised serious questions about power infrastructure and urban safety during monsoon season. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directly blamed CESC Limited for the fatal mishaps. The Calcutta High Court has now intervened, seeking comprehensive reports to investigate these preventable deaths.

Key Points: Kolkata Electrocution Deaths Surge to 11 Amid Mamata's CESC Blame

  • Electrocution deaths linked to submerged naked wires in waterlogged areas
  • Mamata Banerjee criticizes CESC Limited for infrastructure failures
  • CESC announces Rs 5 lakh compensation per victim family
  • High Court seeks detailed reports from power utility and municipal corporation
2 min read

Another electrocution death in Kolkata, toll rises to 11 since Tuesday

66-year-old woman dies in Kolkata's latest electrocution incident, bringing total deaths to 11 since Tuesday amid infrastructure concerns

"Even on Saturday, the water had not receded completely - Local Eyewitness"

Kolkata, Sep 27

A 66-year-old woman died of electrocution in the southern outskirts of Kolkata on Saturday, taking the total number of such deaths in and around the city to 11 since Tuesday.

The deceased woman has been identified as Srabanti Debi (66), and was electrocuted in front of a shop owned by her at Behala-Sarsuna Road in the Southern outskirts of Kolkata.

With this, the total number of electrocution deaths in and around Kolkata since last Tuesday rose to 11.

According to eyewitnesses, she was unable to open her shop since Tuesday because of massive waterlogging in the area. "Even on Saturday, the water had not receded completely. She came in front of her house and tried to open the shop while standing in the rainwater. There, somehow, she got in contact with a naked electricity wire that was underwater and got electrocuted," a local eyewitness said.

The local people informed the police as well as the private power generation-cum-distribution entity, CESC Limited. The body of the victim was recovered and taken to nearby Vidyasagar Hospital, where she was declared dead.

A CESC official later said the wire that caused the electrocution was connected to a light fitted to the shop's tin shade.

Last Tuesday, a total of 10 people, including eight in Kolkata, died from electrocution in West Bengal after they came in contact with naked electricity wires submerged in the accumulated rainwater.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed CESC Limited, which enjoys a monopoly in power distribution in Kolkata and its adjacent district of Howrah, for the mishap. She claimed that despite her repeated warnings, the private power utility did not focus on improving its infrastructure.

Later, the CESC announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim's family. The state government also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each family.

Earlier this week, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court took cognisance of the multiple electrocution deaths and sought reports from both CESC and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

While CESC was asked to explain lapses in its network, the KMC was directed to submit details of measures taken to ensure the effective functioning of the city's sewerage system to prevent waterlogging.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Waterlogging + exposed wires = disaster waiting to happen. KMC and CESC both need to work together. This is basic infrastructure that should have been fixed years ago. When will our cities become safe for citizens?
S
Sarah B
While the compensation is necessary, prevention is more important. Regular safety audits of electrical infrastructure in flood-prone areas should be mandatory. 11 deaths in a week is unacceptable for any modern city.
A
Arjun K
The blame game between government and CESC needs to stop. Both are responsible for public safety. Common people are paying the price with their lives. Hope the High Court's intervention brings some permanent solution.
M
Michael C
This is a systematic failure. From drainage to electrical safety - everything needs overhaul. Monsoon preparedness should be taken seriously every year, not just when tragedies occur.
N
Nisha Z
My heart goes out to the families. As a Kolkata resident, I see these exposed wires everywhere. Authorities only act after accidents happen. We need proactive measures, not reactive compensation. 🙏
K
Karthik V
While I agree infrastructure needs improvement, we also need public awareness. People should be educated about electrical safety during floods. Sometimes we take unnecessary risks without realizing the danger.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50