What began as a routine evening walk turned into a devastating tragedy when a 45-year-old woman and her pet dog were fatally electrocuted in a public garden in Old Subhedar Layout. The incident occurred during light rainfall near Gajanan Maharaj Mandir earlier this week, between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m.
The deceased, Sheetal Shyam Kale, a resident of Sharda Chowk, had taken her dog out for their usual stroll inside the NIT-maintained garden when she reportedly came into contact with an electrically charged pole. Eyewitnesses stated that Kale collapsed near the pole, while her dog remained motionless and stuck, suggesting a powerful current had surged through the structure.
Alarmed by the scene, local residents rushed to help. Kale’s husband, who was informed immediately, reached the site and used a wooden object to break the dog’s iron chain, which was touching the pole. Unfortunately, by then, both had succumbed to the electric shock. Sheetal was transported to a nearby hospital where doctors confirmed her death on arrival. The dog was pronounced dead at the location.
The Hudkeshwar Police have recorded an accidental death case and launched an inquiry to determine how the pole became electrified in a public area. Officials are examining possible faults in underground cabling or improper earthing of the pole.
Residents Demand Accountability
The heartbreaking incident has triggered widespread concern among locals, many of whom frequent the park with children or pets. Residents have criticized civic authorities for what they call “gross negligence,” especially with the arrival of the monsoon season, when exposed wiring becomes particularly hazardous.
“This park is used by families every day. A simple safety check could have saved a life,” said a local resident.
Community members are now demanding immediate safety inspections of all electrical equipment in public spaces, along with stricter maintenance protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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