Tumakuru– In a deeply distressing incident, five-year-old Poshaka Shetty lost his life to electrocution in Goraghatta village near Turuvekere town, exposing yet another case of suspected neglect by Karnataka’s power authorities.
The child was playing outside his house when he came into contact with a fence that had a fallen live wire draped over it. The wire, which had snapped earlier, remained unnoticed. Poshaka died instantly upon touching the electrified fence, police confirmed.
The tragedy has triggered widespread grief and anger among villagers. Locals have strongly criticised Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), blaming it for negligence and calling for those responsible to be held accountable. Dandinashivara police have registered a case and begun an investigation.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. Karnataka has seen a spate of fatal electrocution incidents recently, raising serious alarm over poor infrastructure maintenance and lack of preventive measures.
On March 13, a woman named Selvi died while operating a water motor in Bengaluru’s Chamarajpet, leading to road blockades and public protests. In another case on June 27, 2024, two auto drivers were electrocuted in Mangaluru—one while washing his vehicle and the other trying to help.
Perhaps the most tragic was the death of Soundarya and her infant daughter Suvikasha on November 19, 2023, in Bengaluru, after stepping on a live cable near Hope Farm Junction—just 100 meters from a BESCOM office.
Public demands are now growing for urgent audits, accountability, and firm action to prevent such recurring tragedies.
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