A devastating accident has cast a heavy pall of gloom over Munger district in Bihar amidst the holy month of Sawan. The tragic incident occurred in Ratanpur village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Bariarpur police station, when a high-tension power cable carrying 11,000 volts suddenly snapped and collapsed to the ground. An uncle and his nephew, who happened to be nearby, died on the spot after being exposed to the high-voltage current. The victims were identified as a Bihar Police constable and an employee of Indian Railways. The sudden loss of two breadwinners from the same family has left relatives in profound shock and grief. Following the tragedy, enraged local residents gathered at the scene, alleging severe negligence on the part of the electricity department and demanding immediate action against culpable officials alongside financial compensation for the bereaved family.
Fatal Electrocution During a Morning Walk
The horrific event unfolded on Sunday morning while villagers were beginning their day in Ratanpur. An 11kV high-tension power line running near a distribution transformer installed close to the victims' residence suddenly ruptured and collapsed. At that precise moment, Pankaj and his nephew Aman had stepped outside their house for a routine morning walk. Unable to react in time, both men came into direct contact with the live electrical line. The intensity of the high-voltage electric current was so severe that both victims died instantly on the scene before any emergency aid could be rendered. The sudden noise and cries for help drew a large crowd of neighbors to the spot, but they were unable to save the two men.
Family Prepared for Devotional Pilgrimage
The younger victim, Aman, served as a constable in the Bihar Police department and was currently posted in Samastipur district. Desiring to offer holy water at the Baba Baidyanath Dham shrine in Deoghar during the auspicious month of Sawan, he had taken a two-day leave from duty and arrived at his native village just two days prior. Aman was scheduled to begin his pilgrimage to Deoghar later on Sunday evening. His uncle, Pankaj, was employed with Indian Railways. As key financial providers for their household, their unexpected demise has plunged the family into deep sorrow. What was meant to be a period of spiritual devotion and family reunion quickly turned into an unimaginable personal tragedy.
Villagers Demand Accountability for Departmental Negligence
The fatal accident triggered widespread anger among local residents against the state electricity department. Villagers asserted that the tragedy was a direct consequence of prolonged negligence regarding power infrastructure maintenance. According to local reports, high-tension lines and transformer installations in the locality had remained in a dilapidated state without proper inspection or timely repair work. Residents argued that regular maintenance could have prevented the snapping of the wire and saved two lives. Demonstrating at the site, the community demanded strict disciplinary and legal action against responsible officials, as well as prompt and adequate financial relief for the surviving family members.
Police Response and Investigation Initiated
Upon receiving news of the incident, a police team from the Bariarpur police station rushed to Ratanpur village to secure the area and manage the crowd. Officers pacified the agitated villagers and took formal custody of both bodies before transferring them to the district hospital for post-mortem examinations. Police officials confirmed that an official inquiry has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the wire snap. Investigators plan to examine structural defects and potential lapses in departmental maintenance to determine legal liability. The tragedy has raised serious concerns regarding electrical safety standards in rural areas.
