First-year PU student in Karnataka dies of electrocution while playing on school campus

A first-year Pre-University (PU) student died after allegedly suffering an electric shock while playing on the premises of a government school in Borappanahatti village in Koratagere taluk, Karnataka on Friday (July 10, 2026).

The deceased has been identified as Puneeth, a student at the Government Pre-University College, Urukere, Tumakuru.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 5:30 p.m. on Friday (July 10) when Puneeth was playing with other students on the campus of the Government Lower Primary School in the village.

Recent heavy rains may have caused leakage of electricity due to damage to an electric line, energising a wall on the school premises, preliminary information suggested. Puneeth allegedly came into contact with the wall and suffered a severe electric shock, collapsing on the spot.

Locals immediately rushed him to a private hospital in Tumakuru, however, the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident triggered grief and anger among the victim’s family members and villagers. Residents accused the school authorities and the electricity department of negligence.

They demanded strict action against BESCOM officials, adequate compensation for the bereaved family and an immediate inspection and repair of the school’s electrical infrastructure to prevent future incidents. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against BESCOM officials concerned charging them under death due to negligence .