by Manzoor Ahmed
SRINAGAR: A Power Development Department (PDD) daily wager who sustained severe electrocution while repairing a transformer in Budgam on Saturday succumbed to his injuries at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital on Monday morning, triggering anger in his locality where residents blamed departmental negligence for the incident.
The deceased was identified as Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rather, 52, son of Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Mahawara Budgam. He had been working as a daily labourer with the PDD for the past 12 years.
The electrocution occurred at Lakhirpora, Budgam, where Rather was repairing a transformer. He was first taken to District Hospital Budgam in critical condition and later referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where he succumbed early Monday.
Residents of Mahawara alleged that the incident resulted from gross negligence by the department, claiming that Rather had phoned the receiving station to confirm a shutdown before starting repairs. Eyewitnesses said the line remained active despite his communication, leading to the fatal shock.
Locals demanded an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the electrocution and adequate relief for the bereaved family.
