SRINAGAR: A contract worker employed by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) died on Saturday after being electrocuted while repairing a transformer in the Manyal Gali area of Thanamandi subdivision in Rajouri district.
The worker’s death has caused protests in the area, with family members accusing the department of negligence. The deceased has been identified as Jahangir Khan (35), son of Abdul Aziz from Azmatabad village in Thanamandi tehsil, Rajouri district.
According to family members, their son was employed as a contract worker in the department and was assigned to repair a power transformer and transmission lines in Manyal. They claim that while working on the transformer, the electricity supply was restored without proper precautions, resulting in his immediate death due to an electric shock.
“Our son’s death is solely due to the negligence of the Junior Engineer and other staff members, who showed no concern for the safety of a working official and restored power supply,” they said.
Protesters blocked the Thanamandi road, chanting slogans against the department and demanding justice.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Thanamandi, Mohammad Shafiq Mir, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Thanamandi, Imtiaz Ahmed, Tehsildar Thanamandi, Sayeed Sahil Ali, and other officials arrived at the scene to meet with the protesters.
Later, the Managing Director (Rajouri) of JPDCL and other officials from the power department also arrived at the scene.
Police officers assured the protesters that the matter has already been taken seriously, and action will be initiated against the staff members involved in restoring electricity during the repair work. (KNO)
