23-Year-Old Woman and Her Nine-Month-Old Daughter Electrocuted to Death in Tragic Incident in Bengaluru

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragedy Strikes Bengaluru as Mother and Infant Daughter Electrocuted to Death

In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Bengaluru, a 23-year-old woman named Soundarya and her nine-month-old daughter, Suviksha Liya, met a tragic end due to electrocution. The incident occurred near the Hope Farm Junction on Whitefield Main Road, merely 100 meters away from the Bescom office, in the early hours of Sunday. Soundarya, her daughter, and her husband, Santhosh Kumar, 24, were returning to Bengaluru after celebrating Deepavali in Tamil Nadu.

The unfortunate turn of events took place when the family inadvertently stepped on a live wire that had been carelessly left abandoned on the pavement. Santhosh Kumar, who was walking a few steps away, rushed to save his wife and daughter but also suffered electrical shocks in the process. Local authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, and KJ George, the energy minister, has announced the suspension of the Bescom lineman, assistant engineer, and assistant executive engineer for their negligence.

Expressing his disbelief, Santhosh Kumar stated, “I never expected such negligence in a city like Bengaluru, especially in an area where numerous software companies are located. The misty morning made it even harder for my wife to notice the cable.” The incident occurred just 100 meters away from the Bescom office, situated in an Adyar Ananda Bhavan hotel building. Soundarya’s parents reside approximately 1.5km from the pavement where the tragedy unfolded.

The abandoned wire, carrying a voltage of 11kV, had reportedly been lying on the pavement since 1:30 am, according to local witnesses. Within moments of stepping on the wire, Soundarya’s clothes caught fire, resulting in the fatal outcome for both her and her daughter. The police were alerted by locals at 6:30 am, and Bescom officials arrived at the scene by 7 am.

Dr. Shivakumar Gunare, the deputy commissioner of police (Whitefield), has registered a case of negligence causing death against five Whitefield division Bescom officials. The officials include executive engineer Sriram, assistant executive engineer Subramanya, assistant engineer Chetan S, junior engineer Rajanna, and station operator Manju. All five individuals were arrested and subsequently released on bail. Bescom officials claimed that they had not been informed about the snapped wire.

The bodies of Soundarya and her daughter were taken to Vydehi Hospital for further procedures. In response to this tragic incident, local residents and organizations staged a protest at the site, demanding action against the officials responsible for this appalling tragedy. Murugesh, the founder and state president of Bheem Praja Sangha, Whitefield, emphasized, “The executive engineer should also face suspension. If appropriate action is not taken, we will hold a protest in front of George’s residence once the bodies are handed over to us.”

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring public safety and the need for stricter regulations regarding the maintenance of electrical infrastructure. It is crucial that authorities take immediate action to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring in the future. The government’s pledge to provide Rs 5 lakh in compensation to the grieving family is a step in the right direction, but it is imperative that accountability is established and justice is served for Soundarya and Suviksha Liya..