The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Energy Secretary, DM and SP, Jagatsinghpur and Chief Executive Officer, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), Bhubaneswar, to look into a complaint pertaining to electrocution of a sexagenarian and to submit an action taken report (ATR) within four weeks.
The NHRC passed the order acting on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.
Tripathy alleged that 62 years old Kanduri Rout, a resident of Barei Pipal within Paradip Lock police limits, on May 25, was ploughing his paddy field when he got electrocuted after an overhead live supply line fell on him. By the time the locals reached the spot upon hearing his screams, it was too late. They alleged that the live wire had weakened for quite some but TPCODL made no efforts to repair it. Besides, no steps were being taken to replace the damaged poles in the nearby areas.
Bhutmundai sarpanch Rohit Jena said the matter had been taken up several times in the past but to no avail. “We demand compensation and a job for the deceased’s kin besides replacement of old wires and poles for the safety of the people,” he demanded.
The death of a poor farmer due to negligence of Energy Department and district administration poses a serious violation of human rights, alleged the petitioner.
