Electrocution, suicide bid, put spotlight on Gescom staff safety concerns

Ballari/Koppal: A 22-year-old contract worker was electrocuted while carrying out repair work on an electricity pole in Ballari district on Thursday, while a Gescom meter reader allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison during a reconciliation meeting at the utility’s Karatagi sub-division office in Koppal district.The two incidents have raised fresh concerns over worker safety and workplace issues within the power utility.The deceased, identified as Hulagappa, a resident of Yerragudi village in Ballari taluk, had climbed an electricity pole near a meditation centre in Sanganakal village to repair a power line. According to villagers, high-voltage electricity suddenly passed through the line while he was working.Hulagappa remained trapped on the pole for nearly 15 minutes after being electrocuted.

Residents said no one could rescue him in time and he died on the spot. Villagers alleged that mandatory line clearance had not been obtained before the maintenance work began. They also claimed that no lineman or Gescom official was present during the repair operation.A case has been registered at Ballari Rural police station and an investigation is underway.In a separate incident in Koppal district, Gescom meter reader Durugayya Erakal

allegedly consumed poison during a reconciliation meeting held to address grievances raised by employees.The issue stems from the return of branch officer Noor Fatima, who had been transferred to Yadgir last year following complaints of harassment by staff. Fatima later secured a stay order from a court and resumed duty on July 7. Her return triggered fresh protests by employees, who on Wednesday demanded collective transfers.During Thursday’s meeting, Durugayya allegedly consumed poison and was rushed to a private hospital in Gangavathi, where he is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.Meter reader Khader Basha alleged that Durugayya took the extreme step after repeated appeals by employees went unanswered. Gescom officials were unavailable to comment on either incident.