Agartala Aug 19: Two separate incidents of electrocution in Tripura claimed one life and left two others seriously injured, raising serious concerns about alleged inadequate infrastructure and negligence by local authorities.
The incidents, occurring in Gardhang Ashwini Tripura Para under the Shantir Bazar subdivision in South Tripura and Tuikarma in Chakmaghat, Teliamura, have sparked dissent among residents who point to poor road conditions and neglected electrical infrastructure as contributing factors.
In Gardhang Ashwini Tripura Para, a 45-year-old man, Lakshman Tripura, tragically lost his life after coming into contact with live electrical wires. According to family members, the incident occurred in an area where the lack of proper roads severely hampered rescue efforts.
The community, home to five families with approximately 20 voters, relies on a narrow, unpaved dirt path for commuting, which becomes nearly impassable during the monsoon season.
The family alleges that despite repeated complaints to local leaders, including headmen and elected representatives, no steps have been taken to improve the road.
Following the electrocution, the family made frantic calls to summon vehicles for emergency transport, but none arrived promptly.
They then contacted the Shantir Bazar fire brigade, which reportedly took 30 minutes to reach the scene. The family believes that timely access to medical care could have saved Lakshman Tripura’s life.
“If the roads were better or the fire brigade had arrived sooner, he might still be with us,” a family member lamented. The incident has left Lakshman’s wife and three children devastated, and the community is grieving the loss.
On Tuesday, his body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem at Shantir Bazar District Hospital, casting a pall of sorrow over the area.
Residents expressed frustration over the apathy of local leadership, noting that political leaders are only visible during election campaigns.
“When votes are needed, leaders show up, but otherwise, we’re forgotten,” a resident said. The family has called for accountability, questioning whether this tragedy will prompt any remorse or action from authorities to address the dire state of infrastructure in the area.
In a separate incident later on Tuesday evening, around 9:30 PM, two young men, Sentu Debbarma (36) and Bishwajit Debbarma (31), were seriously injured by electrocution in Tuikarma, Chakmaghat, Teliamura.
The incident occurred as the two were returning home from Chakmaghat Bazar and came into contact with a transformer positioned dangerously close to the roadside.
Quick action by local residents ensured the victims were rushed to Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital.
While Bishwajit remains under treatment, Sentu’s critical condition necessitated his transfer to GB Hospital for advanced care. Locals in Tuikarma have accused the electricity department of gross negligence. They pointed out that the transformer has been left unattended and unsecured for an extended period.
“This isn’t the first time such an accident has happened here,” a resident claimed, highlighting a pattern of recurring incidents due to the department’s failure to implement safety measures.
The community is now demanding immediate action to secure electrical infrastructure and prevent further tragedies.
Both incidents have ignited widespread anger, with residents in both areas questioning the authorities’ commitment to public safety.
In Gardhang, the focus remains on the deplorable state of roads, which hindered timely rescue efforts, while in Tuikarma, the spotlight is on the electricity department’s failure to address hazardous infrastructure.
