Horror in BTM Layout in Bangalore as two borewell workers electrocuted

Two borewell workers were on Tuesday electrocuted while at work in BTM Layout, 16th Main, 17th Cross.

The deceased, identified as Sundaram, 50, and Tirupathy, 25, were electrocuted when the tube of the borewell machine touched the power lines above.

The work as part of a programme to provide water to people in the locality was started by a corporator, JNS Babu. Witness said that in spite of the danger of the electricity lines passing above, the corporator wanted the work to proceed.

The mishap happened around 11.30 am. Police said Sundaram was killed instantly, while Tirupathy died later. The borewell driller belonged to Sri Renuka Borewell, a company based in Nelamangala.

“Sundaram was the operator of the drilling machine and was standing on the truck when the incident took place. After deciding on the spot to dig, we raised the tube. But it hit the wire and Sundaram got electrocuted,” Karthi, a colleague of the deceased  persons and a witness, said.

He added that Tirupathy lost his life while trying to save Sundaram. “Tirupathy was standing beside the truck when Sundaram got electrocuted. He ran and tried to pull Sundaram out,  and in the process, he also suffered electric shock,” said Karthi.

“Although Sundaram died on the spot, Tirupathy was still alive. We tried taking him to the hospital, but by the time we took him to a jeep, he died,” Karthi added.

Locals alleged that the digging was carried out without the necessary permission. “They were digging the well in a busy junction,” Satish, a resident, said.
Corporator Babu could not be reached for his comments.

Police said no case was filed against any individual. “We are taking care of the post-mortem and other legal formalities. We have taken statements from the witnesses,” Mico Layout police station inspector CN Janardhan said.

The bodies were kept in the Victoria Hospital morgue. The autopsy would be conducted only after their relatives reach the city from Salem.