Power firm to pay Rs. 1 lakh damages to electrocuted woman

May 13, 2016 12:00 am | Updated 07:56 am IST - Patna:

Bihar Human Rights Commission on Thursday directed the NBPDCL to pay a compensation of Rs. 1 lakh to the woman whose arm had to be amputated after she was electrocuted due to the company’s negligence.

While hearing the plea from Tara Devi (35), a Commission member, Neelmani, passed the direction that the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd will pay compensation of Rs. 1 lakh to the victim.

The power distribution company has also been directed to provide artificial limb to the victim bearing its entire cost.

The Commission has asked the power company to file a compliance report by July 25, 2016.

The direction was passed after a petition filed by Devi who complained to the Commission that she got electrocuted on May 5, 2015 while cutting grass near a farm when she came into contact with a 11 KV live hanging wire in the field.

After getting severely burnt in the incident, she was sent to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) from where she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Her right arm was amputated to save her life, the Commission noted.

Devi, wife of late Lakshman Mahto, is a resident of Lelhaul village under Singhia police station of Samastipur district.

Neither an FIR was lodged despite her written complaint in this regard nor power supply was snapped despite informing various power distribution company’s officials.

On previous hearing, the Commission had asked the company officials to explain as why not compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh be given to Devi.

Following its order, the power company today informed the Commission that NBPDCL has sanctioned Rs one lakh as compensation to the victim and the cheque will be delivery today.

The company also said artificial limb would be provided to the victim by “Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Kanpur” and the entire cost shall be borne by NBPDCL.

A criminal case has been registered for carrying out investigation into the matter. - PTI

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