BBMP chief told to inspect transformers

The High Court on Wednesday directed the BBMP commissioner to conduct a spot inspection of all the transformers located on the Church Street and submit a report on the permits issued for the new ones there.

Hearing a petition related to electrocution on the Church Street, Justice Ram Mohan Reddy directed the BBMP commissioner to submit the report in the next hearing on June 11, 2014.

Petitioner Ashwini Manoj Patil contended that her husband, Manoj Patil was electrocuted on May 18, 2013, on a rainy day on the Church Street after he came in contact with the fence of a transformer located opposite Kaati Zone restaurant.

During the hearing, Bescom assistant engineer Mallappa submitted to the court that the transformer was not located on the footpath.

The bench observed that if the transformers are located on the footpath they have to be removed immediately.

The life and security of pedestrians was more important than providing space for transformers.

The petitioner’s advocate said Manoj Patil, vice-president of Sundaram Auto Components and a graduate from BITS Pilani, lost his life owing to Bescom’s negligence.

Manoj had parked his vehicle on a side lane on the Church Street and was on his way to watch the IPL match last year.

He tried jumping a puddle on the road next to the transformer, and slipped and held the fence surrounding the transformer for support and was electrocuted.

The petitioner has sought compensation from Bescom, which she is yet to receive.