The convenor of the AYC – Tikrikilla unit and the Association of Nokmas and Goanbura of the area, Walseng Sangma has demanded compensation from the MePDCL after one Rolling B Marak of Kharsengdhap near Tikrikilla, was electrocuted when a live wire fell on him while he was tending to his farm.
Marak died from electrocution on September 11 while he was clearing weeds in his paddy field and was seen with a live wire around his body.
According to Walseng, Marak had gone on the fateful day to clear his field and did not return home till late night. When his family went looking for him, they found him in a prone position with the electric wire around his neck and body. The Tikrikilla PS was informed on the same day.
“Witnesses said that there were burn marks on his neck, chest and legs with a low tension 11KB wire stuck around his body. He died instantly. His death has raised serious concerns on the apathetic attitude of the concerned department. Villagers had raised the matter of this wire with the department several times but nothing was done by the lineman or the authorities concerned,” alleged Walseng.
The wire, as per villagers, was hanging extremely low and posed dangers to the locals.
Walseng asserted that the incident could have been avoided if the concerned people had done their duty.
“Now their negligence has led to a family losing their sole bread earner. A complaint of negligence has been filed with the police by the wife of the deceased seeking proper action as per law against those responsible for such criminal negligence,” he added.
Condemning the lack of action by authorities, Walseng demanded that compensation had to be paid by the MePDCL for their part in a person losing his life due to the department’s negligence.
“This negligence is criminal and we demand that compensation be paid to the next kin of the victim by MePDCL at the earliest. Further any existing faults in poles and wires should be thoroughly inspected, rectified, repaired and well maintained,” said the AYC and Nokma’s convenor.
