PU student electrocuted on school grounds in Tumakuru; case against KEB officials

A 16-year-old first-year Pre-University (PU) student died after allegedly suffering an electric shock while playing on the premises of a government primary school in Borappanahatti village of Koratagere taluk in Tumakuru district on Friday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Puneeth, son of Ravikumar, a student at the Government Pre-University College in Urukere.

According to police and preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. when Puneeth was playing a traditional spinning top game with his friends on the campus of the Government Lower Primary School in Borappanahatti.

Initial investigation suggests that recent rains may have damaged the electricity line supplying power to the school, resulting in a leakage of current. Puneeth allegedly came into contact with the electrified section and suffered a severe electric shock, collapsing on the spot.

He was immediately rushed by family members and local residents to a hospital in Tumakuru, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident sparked outrage among villagers and the victim’s family, who alleged that they had repeatedly alerted both the school authorities and Bescom officials about the damaged power line and the danger it posed. They claimed no corrective measures were taken despite several complaints.

Demanding strict action against those responsible, the villagers accused the authorities of negligence and sought adequate compensation for the bereaved family, besides an immediate inspection and repair of the school’s electrical infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies.

Based on a complaint, the Koratagere Police have registered a case against the KEB officials concerned under charges relating to causing death by negligence.