Aligarh witnessed the death of a woman after she came into contact with a transformer, following which the electricity department initiated administrative action against officials and staff. Treating the matter as prima facie negligence, the department suspended the concerned Junior Engineer (JE) with immediate effect and terminated the services of two contractual employees linked to the incident.
As part of the process to determine responsibility, charge sheets have also been issued to the Executive Engineer (XEN) and the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
According to available information, the woman suffered an electric shock after coming into contact with the transformer. Following the incident, local residents questioned the functioning of the electricity department and alleged that safety standards had been ignored. Police and administrative officials reached the spot after receiving information, and an investigation into the incident was initiated.
After the preliminary inquiry, departmental officials reviewed the role of the employees concerned based on the available facts. On the basis of prima facie negligence, the department decided to suspend the JE. The services of two contractual employees connected with the incident were also terminated. The department clarified that departmental proceedings had been initiated against the XEN and SDO after seeking their explanation.
According to officials, the officers who have been served charge sheets will be given an opportunity to present their response. Further action will be decided after completion of the departmental inquiry, based on the available evidence and the replies submitted. If the investigation establishes the involvement of any other officer or employee, action may also be taken against them in accordance with the rules.
Following the incident, the electricity department directed all field officers to review safety arrangements related to transformers, exposed electrical equipment and power lines. Instructions have also been issued to conduct special inspection drives at vulnerable locations and ensure prompt repair of defective equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Local residents stated that safety standards around transformers are not adequately followed at several locations. They said the risk of electric current spreading increases during the rainy season and demanded regular inspections, ber safety barricading and timely maintenance.
Officials of the energy department said electrical safety is being given the highest priority. All concerned district officials have been instructed to conduct regular inspections of transformers and other electrical equipment and ensure immediate redressal of any complaints.
The departmental inquiry is currently underway. The suspension of the JE and the dismissal of the contractual employees have been carried out as preliminary action. Final responsibility and any further administrative action will be determined after the departmental investigation is completed.
