A 45-year-old worker died after coming into contact with an 11KV high-tension power line while working on the roof of an under-construction house on Angasar Road in the Kotwali police station area of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan.
According to eyewitnesses, the worker came into contact with the high-tension line while carrying out wall construction and roof repair work. A loud explosion-like sound was heard, and he was thrown from a height of approximately 16 feet before falling into a drain in the lane below. People working nearby rushed to the spot and pulled him out, but he had already died.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 11:30 a.m. The sound of the blast alarmed nearby residents, who immediately gathered at the site. After receiving information about the incident, Kotwali police reached the spot, took custody of the body, and shifted it to the mortuary of BDK Hospital in Jhunjhunu. Family members gathered at the hospital and demanded justice.
The deceased was identified as Ratan Nayak, 45, who worked as a mason. According to family members, he was the sole earning member of the household. He is survived by three daughters and one son. The family stated that their financial condition was already weak and that his death has left them facing severe hardship.
Local residents and eyewitnesses said the worker accidentally came into contact with the 11KV high-tension line passing above the building while working on the roof. The electric shock was followed by a loud blast, causing him to lose balance and fall from a height of about 16 feet. He died at the scene.
Local residents and political representatives alleged negligence by the electricity department. A leader of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) claimed that the shop owner had repeatedly raised concerns verbally with the department's Junior Engineer (JEN) regarding the danger posed by the high-tension line, but no action was taken. He alleged that the accident could have been prevented if timely action had been taken.
The deceased's family has demanded compensation of ₹1 crore and a government job for one family member. Family members stated that Ratan Nayak was the only source of income for the household and that his sudden death has left the family without support. Family members and villagers have also begun a sit-in protest at the BDK Hospital premises, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Local residents alleged that the proximity of the 11KV line to the house reflected a serious safety lapse. They claimed that safety standards were not followed by the electricity department, resulting in the accident. Villagers also said that several construction sites in the area face similar risks from high-tension lines and that preventive action is often not taken in time.
Political and local organisations have demanded the immediate suspension of the concerned JEN and lineman. They alleged that the complaints were ignored and that timely intervention could have prevented the incident. Local leaders also accused authorities of responding only after accidents occur while overlooking existing risks.
Police have begun an investigation into the incident, and a report has also been sought from the electricity department. The preliminary inquiry is examining whether safety standards were followed during the construction work. The administration has stated that an impartial investigation will be conducted and that strict action will be taken if negligence is established.
