Tragic Electrocution Claims Woman's Life at Agra Shiva Temple
A 49-year-old woman, identified as Pushpa Devi, a local resident, allegedly died due to electrocution after she touched a metal bell while offering prayers at a Shiva temple in Agra. The incident occurred amid rain and windy conditions at Iradatnagar's Puseta village on Monday, when Pushpa Devi had visited the temple alone.
Villagers Point to High-Tension Wire as Cause
Angry villagers later claimed that a high-tension overhead wire passing next to the mandir may have come in contact with the metal trident (trishul) on top of the dome-shaped roof. They added that current purportedly flowed down through a chain tied to the temple bell and other metal objects at the premises.
Blaming the electricity department for "negligence", residents alleged that the line was passing perilously close to the temple and had not been addressed despite their safety concerns. This has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Police Probe Underway Amid Conflicting Claims
Iradatnagar SHO, inspector Ramkumar Tomar, said, "Probe is on and appropriate action will be taken accordingly." The investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the electrocution and hold responsible parties accountable.
Electricity Department Denies Allegations, Cites Temple Wiring
Meanwhile, dismissing the allegations, Kapil Sindhwani, chief engineer at Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd, stated: "This is not the fault of the HT line, but the temple's wiring. If the current had come from the HT line, supply at the local power house would've automatically tripped; that did not happen. And there would have been loud explosions in the temple, which also did not occur. So, it could've happened only due to some leakage in the temple's wiring."
This conflicting account has led to a heated debate over safety standards and infrastructure maintenance in the area. The incident highlights the urgent need for thorough inspections of both public and private electrical installations to ensure community safety.
As the probe continues, authorities are urged to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar accidents. The tragic loss of Pushpa Devi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by faulty electrical systems, especially during adverse weather conditions.
