Synopsis
Residents in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, protested on March 13 after a woman died from electrocution while trying to draw water. They blocked major roads, demanding immediate action on the ongoing water crisis and justice for the victim. The police intervened, but locals remained firm in their demands for accountability and resolution.Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in Bengaluru's Chamarajpet after a woman's electrocution.
- Residents lack direct water connections, relying on motors.
- This incident marked the fifth electrocution in the area.
- Protesters demanded a visit from local MLA Zameer Ahmad Khan.
- Authorities were unaware of the residents' water supply issues.
Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) Residents took to the streets in the Chamarajpet area of Bengaluru on Thursday, blocking a major road after a woman's tragic death from electrocution while attempting to activate a motor for water retrieval.
The victim, identified as Selvi, was electrocuted around 5:30 a.m. Despite being situated near the headquarters of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the homes in this locality lack direct water connections. Instead, residents rely on pipes linked to the main water supply and must manually operate motors to access water.
In their outrage, residents expressed that their numerous appeals to local authorities regarding the ongoing water crisis had gone unaddressed. They claimed this incident marked the fifth case of electrocution in the vicinity, yet no action had been taken by the authorities in response to these tragedies.
Thousands of individuals gathered to block the Mysuru Road, leading to significant traffic disruptions during peak morning hours. The Assistant Police Commissioner arrived at the scene in an attempt to calm the protesters, but they remained resolute in their demands.
In light of the escalating situation, two platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) were dispatched to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances.
The protesters called for a visit from their local MLA and Minister for Waqf and Housing, Zameer Ahmad Khan, demanding a solid commitment that their water issues would be addressed. They insisted on maintaining the roadblock until the Minister personally addressed their grievances.
Officials from BBMP and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) seemed unaware of the residents' alternative water arrangements. Protesters questioned the necessity of such measures if proper water connections had been implemented.
Additionally, they alleged that whenever they voiced their demand for water, the police would file FIRs against them. The residents lamented that the water crisis had persisted for years without any intervention, accusing the Minister of only visiting the area for electoral support. They underscored the danger posed to lives due to inadequate water supply, which has caused severe hardships for families, particularly affecting women and children. They called for justice for Selvi.
No official statement regarding the water supply issue has been released by authorities to date.
The Chamarajpet police are currently conducting an investigation into the case.
