11-year-old boy electrocuted while flying kite in park, dies in hospital

BENGALURU: A 11-year-old boy died of electrocution after coming in contact with a high-tension power line near a chewing gum factory at Chamundi Nagar in RT Nagar on Tuesday night.

The deceased has been identified as Aboobacker. On Monday afternoon, he was flying a kite in a park which got stuck in the power line. When he climbed a wall to retrieve the kite, he came in contact with the high-tension line and collapsed. He was immediately taken to Victoria Hospital, but he died on Tuesday night without responding to treatment.

High tension power lines hanging dangerously over houses at Chamundi Nagar in RT Nagar

Earlier, four boys had died after coming in contact with the high-tension wire. Locals alleged that this is the fifth such incident in the locality. The houses in the area are multi-storeyed and the high-tension wires are hanging and almost reach the terrace of the houses, they said.

Bescom and BBMP officials have not inspected the place even two days of the incident. When the boy’s mother Sultana went to lodge a complaint about her son’s death, she claimed that the police were reluctant to do so. After locals warned of protest, a case was registered at the RT Nagar police station against Bescom and BBMP officials.

Sultana, Aboobacker’s mother

“The incident happened on Monday afternoon. Somebody came and told me that my son was electrocuted. I lost my husband and I was taking care of my three children. My father-in-law took Aboobacker to hospital. Two Bescom officials came at the time of the incident and left him at the hospital. I want them to demolish the building and find an alternative way and this should not happen to others. Earlier, four boys have died and I want help from the government”, said Sultana, the boy’s mother.

Sayed Abrahar, a lawyer

“A 11-year-old boy had gone to play in the park and there are houses nearby. The high-tension wires pass above the park and the houses. First of all, the BBMP should not grant permission to construct three or four-storey buildings near high-tension lines. Even Bescom has not looked into the issue. The victim’s family must be given compensation”, said Syed Abrar, a lawyer.