A couple was electrocuted in Rajasthan’s Barmer district after an 11kV electricity wire reportedly snapped and fell on a cattle enclosure near Kheepsar village, killing at least 15 sheep and goats and triggering protests over alleged power department negligence.
The victims were identified as Rawta Ram, 45, and his wife, Veero Devi, 41. According to villagers quoted in the report, the high-tension line passed over Rawta Ram’s agricultural field before breaking and falling on the enclosure’s fencing, which became electrically charged.
Villagers said Rawta Ram rushed towards the enclosure after hearing the animals cry and was electrocuted. Veero Devi then attempted to rescue him and also suffered a fatal electric shock. Eyewitnesses said both died at the spot.
Residents alleged that the wire remained live for more than two hours after the incident. They said they contacted the Kheepsar grid sub-station to request that the electricity supply be disconnected, but claimed that no electricity department staff were available at the time. Power was later switched off after residents contacted discom personnel, according to the report.
The incident also killed at least 15 sheep and goats belonging to the family. The deaths brought attention to the risks posed by overhead high-tension distribution lines passing over agricultural land and livestock enclosures, particularly when a damaged line remains energised in an inhabited area.
The deaths led villagers to protest in Kheepsar. Residents accused the electricity department of negligence, refused to allow the bodies to be moved and demanded accountability and compensation for the bereaved family. Their allegations have not been established by an independent inquiry.
Police from Nagana reached the site and began an investigation. Baytu deputy superintendent of police Deependra Saini said discussions were under way with the family and villagers to resolve the situation.
The response will involve determining why the 11kV line failed, whether the line and supporting infrastructure had been inspected, and how quickly the local supply could be isolated after the emergency was reported. The available report does not state whether the electricity department has announced a technical assessment or disciplinary action.
Barmer MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal condoled the deaths in a post on X. He called for responsibility to be fixed, action against officials and employees concerned, adequate compensation for the family and stronger electrical safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
The immediate administrative focus remains the police investigation, discussions with the affected family and villagers, and the demands for compensation and accountability. Further findings from the investigation and any official response from the electricity distribution authorities are awaited.
