Digboi: A mother and her daughter were electrocuted after a 220-volt domestic power-supply wire reportedly snapped and fell on them at their residence in Borjan, Digboi, in Assam’s Tinsukia district, on Wednesday evening.
The incident prompted questions among local residents over alleged negligence by the concerned power authorities.
The deceased have been identified as Krishna Bhuyan and her daughter Gitimoni Bhuyan.
According to a visitor who spoke to The North East Now on Thursday morning, the mother and daughter were sitting in the verandah of their residence when one of the two wires carrying domestic electricity supply, reportedly passing close to and above the house, suddenly snapped and fell on them. Other family members were inside the house and were not affected.
The family’s minor son reportedly witnessed the incident. A neighbour told The North East Now that the child witnessed his mother and sister being electrocuted.
Local residents took the mother and daughter to the Digboi Community Health Centre (CHC). They were later referred to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital, but both reportedly died from their injuries before or during the transfer for further treatment.
Residents in Borjan questioned the safety and maintenance of domestic power lines passing close to residential premises. Locals alleged negligence by the concerned department and demanded an inquiry to determine whether routine inspection and maintenance had been carried out.
Following the deaths, residents reportedly blocked the Digboi-Duliajan road, demanding accountability and compensation and assistance for the family. Residents also gathered outside the electricity department’s office seeking an explanation.
Speaking to The North East Now about the incident, Nitya Nanda Sonowal, Sub-Divisional Engineer, APDCL, expressed grief over the deaths and said the matter had been escalated to the higher authorities.
Sonowal also said the department was pursuing the matter with the concerned authorities for financial relief for the affected family.
Meanwhile, power supply in the affected area has been suspended for technical purposes following the incident. Technical personnel are reportedly attending to the affected electrical network.
Residents have also raised questions over the condition, maintenance and safety of domestic electricity lines in the area and whether any lapses contributed to the deaths.