Teen electrocuted after stepping into puddle above damaged power cable

Kin hold EB officials responsible, stage stir; ₹5L compensation proposal sent for CM's nod

- GAUTHAM SELVARAJAN & MOHAMED SALAHUDEEN @Chennai

A 17-year-old boy, returning home after his evening tuition class, was electrocuted as he stepped into a pool of stagnant rainwater on the road above a damaged underground electric cable at Peer Payilvan Street in Thiruvottiyur late on Wednesday evening. The deceased has been identified as Nafeel, a class XII student at a private school, residing on the same street.

A senior officer of the Thiruvottiyur police said the puddle was formed following the rain on Tuesday evening. "A few months ago, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) had laid interlocking paver blocks along the street. We suspect that during the work, the underground cable may have been damaged," he said.

"We have registered a case of unnatural death as of now, and after an inquiry, we will decide whether to alter it to death by negligence," the officer added.

The boy's family and residents staged a protest demanding action against officials of the electricity board whose alleged inaction led to the death.