Delhi Electrocution Tragedy: Family Accuses Power Dept of Fatal Delay

The family of a 26-year-old civil services aspirant who died from electrocution in Delhi claimed on Wednesday that the power department's delayed response led to his death. The incident occurred on Monday in Patel Nagar when Nilesh Rai, a resident of Ghazipur, was returning to his PG accommodation from a nearby library, according to police.

While walking towards his PG, Nilesh slipped into a waterlogged street and grabbed an iron gate to regain balance, resulting in electrocution. His grandfather, Sashikant Rai, stated that had the electricity department responded promptly, Nilesh's life could have been saved. He mentioned that many people tried to save Nilesh and repeatedly called the electricity department, but received no response.

Investigation and Response

The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and communicating with power discoms to understand the sequence of events leading to Nilesh's death. A senior police officer revealed that an electricity wire from a water motor was touching the iron gate. They will also be questioning Tata Power Discom regarding the incident.

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for Rai's family. He assured that the Delhi Congress would provide all possible assistance to ensure justice for Rai's family. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered an investigation into the matter.

Official Statements and Safety Measures

Two days after the incident, a Tata Power Discom official described it as unfortunate and attributed it to electric current leakage from a customer's damaged motor wiring that had come in contact with the iron gate. The company urged the public to exercise caution during the monsoon season by avoiding waterlogged areas, staying clear of fallen wires, and promptly reporting any electrical hazards.

Nilesh's body was handed over to his family after an autopsy. An FIR was registered on Monday under sections 1061 (causing death by rash and negligent act) and 285 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) of the BNS, according to police reports.

Sashikant Rai recounted how Nilesh slipped into a drain due to waterlogging and grabbed the iron gate to steady himself, only to be electrocuted by live current passing through it. This tragic event highlights the need for timely responses from relevant authorities during emergencies.

The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during monsoon seasons. It also raises concerns about infrastructure maintenance and emergency response efficiency in urban areas.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine all contributing factors and prevent similar incidents in the future. The family's call for accountability reflects broader concerns about public safety and infrastructure management.