Madhugere villagers in K.R. Pet stage protest against CESC negligence, seek compensation

K.R. Pet:  Creepers touching power lines resulted in the electrocution of a farmer’s wife, Nethravathi Mohan (47), at Madhugere village in Bookanakere Hobli yesterday. Villagers, alleging negligence on the part of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), staged a protest following the incident.

Nethravathi, the wife of Mohan from Madhugere village, reportedly stepped outside her home when she was electrocuted due to creepers coiling around the electric pole and power lines in front of her house, causing electricity to flow through them. Villagers claimed that despite several complaints lodged to remove the creepers, CESC had displayed a negligent attitude, leading to Nethravathi’s tragic death.

In the wake of the incident, villagers gathered at the site and protested against CESC officials, blocking the road and demanding stringent action against those responsible for Nethravathi’s death. MLA H.T. Manju arrived at the scene to pacify the villagers and assured them of adequate compensation from CESC.

This is not the first incident at this location; villagers noted that three individuals — Satish, Basavegowda and Ravi — had died similarly at the same spot a few months ago. They expressed frustration that CESC had failed to clear the creepers coiling around the power lines, resulting in another preventable loss of life.

The villagers demanded a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for Nethravathi’s family, a job within CESC and immediate action to clear the creepers. Following assurances from CESC officials, the villagers ended their protest. A post-mortem was conducted at MIMS Hospital in Mandya, and a case has been registered at the K.R. Pet Rural Police Station.