What led to another electrocution death in Kolkata, raising the toll to 11 since Tuesday?
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Synopsis
A shocking electrocution incident in Kolkata claimed the life of a 66-year-old woman, marking the 11th victim since Tuesday. As authorities investigate, this tragedy highlights ongoing infrastructure issues in the city. What measures will be taken to prevent such devastating incidents in the future?
Key Takeaways
- 66-year-old woman dies from electrocution in Kolkata.
- Total electrocution deaths in the area rises to 11 since Tuesday.
- Victim electrocuted by a naked wire submerged in rainwater.
- Local authorities informed, and CESC Limited held responsible.
- Compensation announced for victims' families by CESC and state government.
Kolkata, Sep 27 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Saturday when a 66-year-old woman succumbed to electrocution in the southern suburbs of Kolkata. This unfortunate event brought the total number of electrocution fatalities in and around the city to 11 since Tuesday.
The victim, identified as Srabanti Debi, was electrocuted outside her shop located on Behala-Sarsuna Road. Eyewitnesses reported that she had been unable to open her establishment since Tuesday due to severe waterlogging in the area. On Saturday, the water had not fully receded, and as she attempted to open her shop while standing in rainwater, she came into contact with an exposed electrical wire submerged in the water.
Local residents quickly notified the police and CESC Limited, the private power generation and distribution company. The woman's body was retrieved and taken to Vidyasagar Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A representative from CESC later stated that the wire responsible for the electrocution was connected to a light fixture attached to the shop’s tin roof.
Just last Tuesday, a total of 10 individuals, including eight in Kolkata, lost their lives due to electrocution after encountering naked wires submerged in rainwater.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held CESC Limited accountable for the incident, asserting that despite her consistent warnings, the company failed to improve its infrastructure.
In response to the tragedies, CESC announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim's family, while the state government offered Rs 2 lakh per family.
Earlier this week, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court took notice of the series of electrocution deaths and requested reports from both CESC and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). CESC was instructed to clarify any lapses in its operations, while KMC was asked to provide details on measures taken to ensure the effective functioning of the city's sewerage system to prevent further waterlogging.
Point of View
I believe that the safety of residents should be a priority, and effective measures must be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the electrocution deaths in Kolkata?
The electrocution deaths were caused by individuals coming into contact with naked electricity wires submerged in rainwater due to severe waterlogging.
How many electrocution deaths have occurred in Kolkata since Tuesday?
Since Tuesday, there have been a total of 11 electrocution deaths in and around Kolkata.
What compensation has been offered to the victims' families?
CESC Limited has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim's family, while the state government has offered Rs 2 lakh per family.
What actions are being taken by the authorities?
The Calcutta High Court has sought reports from CESC and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regarding the incidents and the measures taken to improve infrastructure.
Who is responsible for the electrocution incidents?
CESC Limited has been blamed for the mishaps, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticizing the company for not addressing infrastructure issues despite repeated warnings.
