BESCOM Labourer Electrocuted on 11 KV Pole in Devanahalli; 3 Booked

A 39-year-old contract labourer died after being electrocuted while working on an 11 KV electricity pole opposite Marishamappa Layout in Devanahalli town on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 5:30 pm on September 2, prompting a police investigation into safety protocol lapses and supervisory responsibility.

The deceased has been identified as Palayya, aged 39, hailing from Nelagetanahatt village in Challekere taluk of Chitradurga district. Palayya had been engaged as a contract worker for the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and had climbed the utility pole situated in a field to carry out maintenance work.

According to preliminary information provided by the police, Palayya came into contact with live current while working on the structure and sustained a fatal electric shock. He collapsed on the pole after the current passed through him.

Following the incident, police registered a case against contractor Ravish, lineman Gangadharaiah, and Assistant Engineer Bharath, among other accused persons. Inquiries revealed that the worker was allegedly sent to work on the high-voltage installation without supervisors ensuring that the electricity line had been safely shut down.

Investigators noted that mandatory Line Clearance and Shutdown permissions had allegedly not been secured, and requisite on-site safety measures were not put in place prior to assigning him the task.

Police stated that although the direct grid supply was reportedly disconnected at the time of the work, alternate power sources may have caused the electrocution. Investigators suspect that power backup equipment from nearby residences, including a private generator, allegedly reverted power back into the grid lines, re-energising the wire while Palayya was actively working on it.

Authorities stated that an active probe is underway to determine whether standard operating procedures were observed and whether mandatory personal protective gear was supplied to the contract worker before he climbed the pole.