Man dies of electrocution, ex-gratia announced

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, May 16: In a tragic incident, a 29-year-old casual worker (lineman) of Arunachal Pradesh Power Department has died of electrocution while installing new electric poles near Borduria village, 8 km from Khonsa, the headquarters of Tirap district.

The deceased, identified as Wangkho alias Akho Wangsa, a native of Pongchau village under Longding district, came in contact with live wire while installing new poles and died on the spot yesterday, an official report informed here today.

Three other casual workers of the department’s Khonsa division sustained severe injuries in the incident.

The injured – Bothak Wangsu of Chatting village, Tephiam Lama of Borduria and Wanghun Lowakho of Paniduria village – were immediately evacuated to the Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh for further treatment.

Piman Wangsa, wife of deceased Wangkho and her relatives appealed to the concerned authority, including executive engineer (Power) and local legislator cum Education Minister Honchun Ngandum to give her compensation and a government job as her husband was the only bread earner for the family of five, including three small children, the report added.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock and grief over the demise of Wangsa.

While extending condolences to the bereaved family members, Khandu today announced ex-gratia relief to the next of kin as per the laid down norms. He also wished speedy recovery of the injured.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister cautioned officials and workers engaged in maintenance and construction of high voltage power lines to maintain extreme caution so that such unfortunate incidents do not reoccur.