Farmer electrocuted after live wire snaps in Kunigal

A 65-year-old farmer was electrocuted after a live wire snapped and fell on him while he was irrigating his field in Choudripalya village of Kasaba hobli in Kunigal taluk on Sunday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Thimmappa, a resident of Choudripalya. According to the police, Thimmappa visited his agricultural land at around 6 a.m. to water his crops, as part of his daily routine. During this time, a power line reportedly snapped and fell on him. He was electrocuted and killed on the spot.

Officials from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) and the local police rushed to the scene and conducted a preliminary inspection. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and further investigation is under way.

Villagers and family members have alleged negligence on the part of the Bescom officials, claiming that several electric lines in the village were in a dilapidated condition. Despite repeated complaints, authorities allegedly failed to repair the sagging and damaged wires. A probe revealed that the wires were burnt and had snapped due to overloading and excessive heat.

Residents told mediapersons that even when linemen were alerted about dangerously hanging wires, they did not act. The villagers have demanded adequate compensation for the bereaved family and immediate steps to replace old and damaged power lines in the area to prevent further tragedies.

The police are awaiting a post-mortem report and a ground inspection report from Bescom officials for further investigation.