Sikkim Police issues notice to State Power Dept over series of electrocution cases

CASES OF UNNATURAL DEATHS REPORTED AT DIFFERENT POLICE STATIONS OF SIKKIM BY MEMBERS OF PUBLIC/RELATIVES REGARDING DEATHS OF ELECTRICIANS/LINESMEN CAUSED DUE TO ELECTROCUTION

During the last few months, many cases have been reported at different police stations in Sikkim, wherein members of public or aggrieved family have lodged FIRs regarding deaths caused due to electrocution of electricians/linesmen and innocent children.

2. During investigation of these cases, it has come to light that at times when electricians/linesmen in order to rectify electrical defects or defaults in power mains, climb electrical poles after proper intimation to power sub stations,electrical currents have been suddenly switched on, thereby resulting in deaths of innocent linemen/electricians.

3. Sikkim Police has registered criminal cases and arrested concerned officials responsible for releasing current and their Supervisory Officers due to whose lax supervision such loss of life has taken place.

4. Investigation into these cases has further revealed that protocols of the department are not being followed properly and in some cases current from power substations are being switched on without any intimation or warning to the concerned lineman who is rectifying electrical defects.

5. Law & Order wing of Sikkim Police appeals to Sr. Supervisory Officials of Power &Energy Department to take up this matter seriously and ensure that standard operating procedures, protocols and orders of the department regarding climbing of poles, stoppage and release of current etc. are properly followed in letter and spirit.
6. In a couple of cases children have died or suffered grievous injuries due to electrical shock caused by electrical transformer which is not fenced and also due to absence of danger sign boards.

7. Concerned officials of the Department are requested to closely monitor and conduct inspections and impart adequate training to concerned officials to ensure that no further loss of life is caused due to negligence of few irresponsible officials.

8. Sikkim Police assures the public that we are initiating strict legal action against officials due to whose negligence these deaths/injuries have been caused. Also, Charge sheets would be submitted against negligent officials in the courts of law after the completion of investigation.

9. Further, Power and Energy Department officials are advised to issue proper safety gear and equipment to all electricians/linemen.

[ADGP/Law & Order
PHQ, Gangtok

Akshay Sachdeva, IPS]

Courtesy by Sikkim Police