School negligence claims life of 8-year-old boy

Bengaluru: In a gross case of negligence, an eight-year-old boy was electrocuted to death after he came in contact with a live wire on a flight of stairs in his school building.

The deceased is identified as Akshay, son of Muniraju, who works as a labourer for a construction company. The family lives in J.P. Nagar, eighth phase.

As per the sources, Akshay while climbing the stairs held onto the railing for support. That is when he came in contact with the live wire. Though Akshay started crying out loudly for help. His friends didn’t know what to do, but fortunately, none of them came in contact with the wire.

On hearing the scream a few staff members rushed to his help but were unable to pull him away because of the current.

Meanwhile, one of the staff members used a wooden log and was able to shift Akshay away from the wire. He was taken to a small hospital in the area, where the doctor on duty, after examining him referred Akshay to a bigger hospital. By the time he was taken there, he was declared brought dead.

Following the incident, the Konanakunte police have taken up a case against the school management for causing death due to negligence.

The police have also asked a team of Bescom inspectors to probe the reason for the accident and submit a report.

However, the Bescom officials maintained that the incident was a result of negligence by school authorities. “Our service jurisdiction is up to the metre board. Beyond that is the consumer’s responsibility,” said an official.