Shobha Yatra mishap: Sridhar Babu orders safety audit of low-hanging, damaged power cables in GHMC

Hyderabad: In the wake of the tragic Ramanthapur electrocution that claimed six lives during the Sri Krishnashtami Shobha Yatra, IT Minister D Sridhar Babu on Monday ordered a special safety audit across Greater Hyderabad.

The review will focus on identifying and rectifying low-hanging and damaged power cables to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Cause of accident explained

Officials informed Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) CMD Musharraf Faruqui that the mishap occurred when a disused star cable wire, which had been laid between two buildings, snapped and fell on an 11 kV overhead line.

The wire slipped onto the iron frame of the chariot, causing electricity to pass through the copper strands inside the cable, leading to the electrocution tragedy.

They further clarified that the accident did not occur due to negligence by the electricity staff. The 11 kV line was installed at a height of over 20 feet, and the LT overhead line in the locality had already been replaced with an AB cable. The star cable used for connecting buildings was identified as the main cause of the mishap.

Relief announced for victims’ families

The Minister, who visited Gandhi Hospital to meet the injured and bereaved families, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each of the victims’ families. He also assured that the government would bear the entire medical expenses of those undergoing treatment.

“This incident is extremely tragic and unfortunate. It is all the more painful as it occurred when the procession was just 100 meters from completion,” Sridhar Babu said.

Residents blame power department

Sridhar Babu directed the District Collector to conduct a detailed inquiry into the mishap. He said strict action would follow against those found responsible once the report is submitted.

Tension prevailed in Ramanthapur as residents staged protests alleging negligence by the electricity department. Protesters claimed officials ignored repeated complaints about dangling wires and poor maintenance. They said timely repairs could have averted the tragedy.

TGSPDCL CMD inspects mishap site

CMD Musharraf Faruqui inspected the mishap site along with senior officials.

Expressing grief, he promised to raise the matter with the government and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka for additional relief to the victims’ families.

Probe assigned to SE

Soon after the incident, electricity officials rushed to the spot and conducted a preliminary assessment. CMD Faruqui directed Habsiguda Superintending Engineer, Pratima Shome, to conduct a deeper inquiry into the matter and submit a detailed report at the earliest.

Police prevent protest rally

Later in the day, residents attempted to take out a rally from the accident site in protest against the electricity department. However, police deployed in large numbers intervened, stopped the march, and restored order.