Negligence causing death of electrical worker: Court sentences contractor

Kundapur: The court here has sentenced an electrical contractor for negligence during the installation of electric wires that caused the death of a worker.

The mishap occurred in 2010 when electric wires were being replaced at Kelahitlu of Uppinakudru village.

MESCOM had contracted the work to Narasimha Kulal of Kolkebailu, Siddapur, who in turn, sub-contracted it to Marthandappa and Jaffer Hussain of Tallur.

The work was being carried out without properly earthing the pole. Moreover, Jaffer reconnected the lines without ensuring the workers had got down from the pole. As a result, the workers who were on the pole were electrocuted and knocked down, killing one of them identified as Santhosh. Others suffered injuries.

A case was registered against the contractors Narasimha Kulal, Marthandappa, and Jaffer Hussain.

After hearing the matter and perusing the evidence, Additional Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Rohini D. sentenced the contractor Narasimha Kulal to 6 months of simple punishment and a fine of Rs.500 and, one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 for another offense under various sections of IPC.

The court also ordered a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the family of the deceased.