Youth dies of electrocution in Shahpur, FIR filed against private firm for negligence

A 21-year-old man died of electrocution last month after coming into contact with an electric pole at Gheekanta Navghari crossroads in Shahpur, prompting police to register a case of negligence against the private firm responsible for its maintenance.

As per the FIR filed at Shahpur police station by the victim’s younger brother, Swaroop Kumar Goyal (42), the incident occurred on the evening of August 18 when his elder brother, Jasraj Goyal, who worked at a garment shop in Padmavati Complex, was returning home.

Police said that around 8.15 pm, Jasraj was walking along a rainwater-flooded stretch of pavement when he came in contact with an electric pole and suffered a severe electric shock. He collapsed on the spot. Bystanders, including his employer, immediately called the fire brigade and emergency services. Jasraj was rushed to Sola Civil Hospital in an 108 ambulance but was declared dead at 10.21 pm.

Investigations revealed that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation had outsourced the maintenance of the pole to Sun Trading Company, owned by Dharmendra Mahendrabhai Shah, a resident of Vasna. The complaint alleges that the firm failed to implement basic safety measures, exposing the public to grave risk.

Based on the complaint, Shahpur police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligence and culpability, as well as provisions relating to public safety.

Police officials said they are verifying the company's contractual obligations with AMC and will examine whether lapses in periodic inspections or faulty wiring led to the fatal electrocution.