A 30-year-old woman lost her life while trying to save her family after a high-voltage electrical fault allegedly sent live current through an entire residential locality in Rajasthan’s Kota during heavy rain on Sunday.
The incident, triggered by the failure of a 33 kV high-tension line insulator, affected more than 40 people and left at least nine injured in Kota’s Barda Basti area.
According to officials, the accident occurred near Ambedkar Chowk when an insulator on a 33 kV transmission line snapped during rainfall. The fault caused electricity to spread through wet ground, walls and metal structures across nearly a 200-metre radius, energising more than 50 houses and creating panic in the densely populated settlement.
The deceased, identified as Salma (30), rushed to rescue her children and other family members as the current spread through the locality. After safely evacuating them, she reportedly came into contact with the iron gate of her house while attempting to secure it and suffered a fatal electric shock. She was rushed to hospital but died on the way. Two animals also died after being electrocuted in the incident.
Nine people sustained burn injuries and are undergoing treatment at Kota Medical College Hospital. The injured have been identified as Salma’s husband Afaq (33), father-in-law Ishaq Beg (60), mother-in-law Nashevan Beg (50), Bhuri Bai, Jia (14), Aliya (12), Arshil (9), Seema Kanwar (35) and Ayodhya Bai (48). Residents said several victims received repeated electric shocks before the power supply was disconnected.
Eyewitness Sawan Kumar said he was on his way to buy household items when he noticed live current spreading across the colony. According to him, residents ran in panic to escape while those attempting to rescue others also suffered electric shocks. The electricity supply was eventually switched off after locals alerted the power department.
The incident has sparked allegations of negligence against the electricity department. Residents and former councillor Kamalkant Sharma claimed the high-tension tower and transmission line have stood in the middle of the residential area for years despite repeated complaints. They alleged that while the department routinely issued notices, it failed to relocate the line or implement permanent safety measures.
Responding to the allegations, Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) Executive Engineer Ashish Johri said the insulator failed due to a technical fault during heavy rain. He added that when the transmission line was originally installed, there were no residential structures in the area, but the locality has since become densely populated around the tower. He said the damaged insulator has been replaced and the electricity supply restored.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death, conducted the post-mortem examination and launched an investigation into the incident. The tragedy has triggered demands for compensation to the bereaved family and strict action against officials found responsible if negligence is established.
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Published By:
Akash Chatterjee
Published On:
Jul 6, 2026 09:05 IST
