Father, Three-Year-Old Son Electrocuted in Silcoorie; Locals Blame Negligence By Power Department

In a heartbreaking incident allegedly caused by gross negligence of the electricity department, a man and his three-year-old son lost their lives in the Dharamkhal area of Silcoorie in the Cachar district. This unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday morning (June 5), allegedly due to the negligence of the power department.

The deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Pawan Kumar Mala and his son Vicky Mala. According to locals, the electric connection to their house had been disconnected nearly two years ago, but the severance was incomplete and faulty, leaving live wires dangerously exposed.

Neighbours and family members say they had repeatedly informed the electricity office about the risk, but no corrective action was taken. On the morning of the incident, a wire reportedly snapped from an electric pole near the house, came in contact with a flowering tree in front of their home, and electrified it.

Pawan’s elder brother recounted the sequence of the horrific event. “It had rained heavily. My sister-in-law went to pluck flowers in the morning when she got electrocuted by the tree. My brother rushed to rescue her and managed to pull her away. Then their daughter also came into contact with the electrified tree, and he saved her too. But as he was still in contact with the current, his three-year-old son ran to him and touched him. That’s when both he and the child got stuck to the current and could not be saved,” he said.

Local resident Vijay Kumar Mala expressed anger at the department’s alleged inaction. “We lodged complaints several times, but they just kept assuring us and did nothing. This tragedy is entirely due to their negligence,” he said.

The bodies were sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination. Residents demand a full investigation and accountability from the electricity department.

“This could have been prevented. How many more lives before someone takes responsibility?” said another neighbour, calling for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.