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This is an archive article published on July 20, 2024

Two days after electrocution of teenager, Chandigarh suspends executive, sub-divisional engineers of electricity department

Two days ago on Thursday evening, Mayank (17) was returning from his gym when he tried taking a shorter route but apparently came in contact with a charged wire near the transformer in Sector 8, Chandigarh.

Locals staying near the area had mentioned exposed wires hanging loosely but the department did not pay any heed. ChandigarhLocals staying near the area had mentioned exposed wires hanging loosely but the department did not pay any heed. (Express File)

Following the tragic death of a 17-year-old who was electrocuted after allegedly coming in contact with a live wire near a transformer in Sector 8, the Chandigarh Administration suspended the executive and sub-divisional engineers of the power department.The decision was taken on directions of Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit who also visited the spot on Friday.

Two days ago on Thursday evening, Mayank (17) was returning from his gym when he tried taking a shorter route but apparently came in contact with a charged wire near the transformer in Sector 8, Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, Purohit also visited the spot on Friday and on his directions, deputy commissioner ordered a magisterial inquiry on the incident. The administrator has instructed a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of death, identify any lapses by officials, and recommend necessary precautions to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Purohit was accompanied by Adviser to the UT Administrator Rajeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, Secretary (Engineering) Hargunjit Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur, and officials from the electricity department.

The administrator also expressed his displeasure at the “uncovered and exposed fuses” of the power transformers and instructed the engineering department of the Chandigarh Administration to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of residents in vicinity of electric transformers and poles. He emphasised the urgency for the electricity branch of the engineering department to secure or cover areas around transformers to prevent future incidents and mandated strict adherence to all safety regulations set by the power ministry. Purohit also asked both the civil and police administration to take stringent action against those found responsible and also called for fixing accountability within the concerned department.

Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh informed that magisterial inquiry would be conducted by SDM Central Naveen in a period of 10 days by associating technical experts.

Locals staying near the area had mentioned exposed wires hanging loosely but the department did not pay any heed.

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter):  @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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