SPDCL Denies Negligence in Electrocution Incident

Quick Summary

• Five people were electrocuted during Janmashtami celebrations in Ramanthapur, Hyderabad, on August 18, 2025.
• the incident occurred when a chariot with a metal frame came in contact with live electric wires due too a snapped television cable touching an 11kV overhead line.
• Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company’s (TGSPDCL) CMD Md. Musharraf Faruqui visited the site and initiated discussions with locals and investigating officials.
• Officials reported that the accident was caused by the television cable rather than negligence of Discom employees, as the electric line had been converted into safer aerial bundled (AB) cables earlier and maintained at over 20 feet height from ground level.
• Local residents protested against TGSPDCL authorities on-site, demanding justice and compensation for victims’ families. An inquiry has been ordered by CMD Faruqui.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This tragic incident raises important safety concerns around public processions and electrical infrastructure management in urban settings like Hyderabad. While initial findings deny direct negligence by discom authorities-attributing the mishap to an unused TV cable-it underscores the need for stricter monitoring of unauthorized utility installations that interface dangerously with existing power lines.The loss of lives during a celebratory event also highlights challenges faced by local governance bodies in coordinating safe public gatherings involving large structures like chariots or floats near critical infrastructure zones.

Ordering an investigation is necessary for accountability but must be paired with institutional efforts to identify systemic risks such as unattended wiring networks common in congested urban areas.

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