A 50-year-old woman tragically died after a live power wire snapped and electrocuted her while walking in Tavarekere. Authorities have booked local BESCOM officials

A tragic incident in Bengaluru’s Tavarekere area has raised concerns over civic negligence, as a 50-year-old woman, identified as Manjamma, was electrocuted after a live power wire snapped and fell on her. The accident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. while Manjamma was walking on the road. Despite efforts from bystanders, she was fatally electrocuted on the spot.

Manjamma, a resident of Chikkanahalli in Ramanagara, was accompanied by two people when the tragic accident took place. One of her companions attempted to intervene and save her but was stopped due to the high risk of electrocution. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning the safety measures and maintenance efforts of Bengaluru’s civic bodies, especially regarding public infrastructure like power lines.

The Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has come under intense scrutiny as local police have registered a case against its officials. A police officer, speaking to Deccan Herald, confirmed the investigation, stating, “We booked BESCOM officials in this case. We are investigating further.” The body has since been sent for post-mortem examination.

This is not the first time such an incident has taken place in Bengaluru. In a similar case last year, a young woman and her nine-month-old child tragically lost their lives after stepping on a live wire near Hope Farm in Kadugodi. The 23-year-old woman, identified as Soundarya, believed the wire to be an optical fibre cable and stepped on it, resulting in her and her baby being electrocuted. Her husband narrowly escaped harm during the incident.

These events have reignited public outcry over the need for better safety protocols and maintenance of electrical infrastructure in Bengaluru. Many are demanding accountability from BESCOM and other relevant authorities. Residents have expressed their frustrations over the recurring issues of live wires and faulty electrical infrastructure, which pose serious dangers to public safety.

The Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company, responsible for managing the city’s power distribution, has yet to issue a formal statement regarding this recent incident. However, civic activists and local leaders have urged authorities to address these concerns immediately to prevent further loss of life. Several local residents have also called for enhanced public awareness about the dangers of live wires and electrical hazards in public spaces, as well as a more rigorous inspection system to identify and rectify dangerous electrical infrastructure.

As the investigation into the case continues, it is expected that BESCOM officials will face legal consequences if found negligent. The police have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken against those responsible.

This tragic incident highlights the broader issues of urban safety and infrastructure management in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru. While the city has seen rapid development and expansion, concerns about civic infrastructure maintenance have been increasingly raised by residents and local organisations. Power lines, in particular, are often exposed to the elements and risk falling during adverse weather conditions or due to poor maintenance, putting lives at risk.

Bengaluru’s residents are hoping this latest incident will prompt stricter measures to ensure electrical safety across the city. The call for stronger accountability and enforcement of safety standards is growing, and many believe this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities.

As the grieving family of Manjamma and the community seek answers, attention is now on how the government and BESCOM will respond to this preventable disaster.