Contract Worker Dies of Electrocution During Pole Repair in Bailhongal; Villagers Stage Road Blockade

A maintenance contract worker died of electrocution on Wednesday while performing repair work on an electric pole at Sanikoppa village in Bailhongal taluk of Belagavi district. The incident occurred during power line restoration work under the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) jurisdiction. According to local reports, the worker had climbed the pole to rectify an electrical fault when electric current unexpectedly passed through the power line, causing immediate fatal injuries. Local residents expressed severe outrage over the incident, alleging serious negligence on the part of the local lineman and HESCOM operational staff for failing to ensure proper line clearance before authorizing repair work on the circuit. Following the tragic death, distressed family members and hundreds of local residents gathered at the spot and staged an intense late-night road blockade. Demonstrators disrupted vehicular movement, demanding immediate financial compensation for the victim's family, job security for a family member, and strict administrative action against negligent power department officials. Bailhongal police personnel promptly reached the scene to hold discussions with the grieving protesters and restore normalcy. Authorities assured the public that a detailed investigation into the safety protocol lapses would be conducted to establish accountability.