In a heartbreaking incident near Anekal on Bengaluru’s southern fringe, 11-year-old Tanishka S., a fifth-grader at a private school in Narayanaghatta, lost her life after contacting an energised utility pole. The mishap occurred on Tuesday evening, according to local law enforcement.
Tanishka had been gladly playing outdoors after classes when she inadvertently touched the faulty pole and was electrocuted. Neighbours rushed to her aid upon seeing her collapse, rushing her to the hospital; however, doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. An investigating officer explained that a defective earthing system rendered the entire pole live, and a brief rain shower exacerbated the danger.
Upon receiving a grievance from Tanishka’s family, the Surya City police registered a death-by-negligence case under the relevant clause of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against both BESCOM and the Public Works Department (PWD). Authorities have called for a technical audit of the site to pinpoint the lapses that contributed to the tragedy.
Residents and officials alike await the expert inspection report, which will inform any further legal or remedial steps. Meanwhile, community members are demanding stricter maintenance protocols and faster fault rectification to prevent such calamities in the future.
This devastating event underscores the urgent need for routine safety checks on public electrical infrastructure, especially in areas frequented by children.
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