Kupwara: A 25-year-old daily wager sustained severe injuries while repairing a power transmission line in the Madmadhow Kalarus area of Kupwara, allegedly due to negligence by the Electricity Department.
Sources told the news agency JKNS that the man, also a barber by profession, was reportedly instructed by an Electricity Department inspector, to repair the power line without adequate safety measures in place.
They said locals claim he was forced to perform the repair under unsafe conditions, leading to the accident, and he was identified as Shahid Ahmad (25).
“Following the incident, Kalarus police quickly transported the man to Kupwara Hospital. Due to his critical condition, he was referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he is currently receiving treatment and fighting for his life,” they said.
Meanwhile, Shahid’s father, speaking to JKNS, expressed his distress saying, my son worked tirelessly to support us, but the negligence of the department has destroyed our family. The inspector, namely Ghulam Nabi was aware of the risks and still forced him to work.
Shahid’s mother also demanded justice, stating, he is now fighting for his life, and we demand justice for this inhumane act.
Moreover, when contacted, Inspector Ghulam Nabi denied the allegations, claiming, I did not instruct Shahid to repair the line. The claims are false, and I support a fair investigation to uncover the truth.
It is worth mentioning that police have initiated a probe into the case. “We are investigating all aspects, including the alleged pressure on Shahid to perform the repair,” said an officer investigating the case.—(JKNS)
