A 26-year-old woman died after allegedly coming into contact with an electrically live public CCTV pole in Ulhasnagar, prompting Central police to register a negligence FIR against Matrix Smart Technology Pvt Ltd, the company contracted to install and maintain government CCTV cameras in the area.
The incident occurred last Friday, according to a report by the Times of India. The complaint was filed by the victim’s brother, who alleged that the metal pole had electric current flowing through it and had not been maintained properly. The woman, identified as Karishma Madhwani, suffered a severe electric shock after touching the pole and died.
The FIR was registered for causing death by negligence against Matrix Smart Technology. The police complaint alleges that the electrical system and equipment connected to the CCTV pole were not maintained or repaired in time, allowing current to flow through the structure.
The complaint also alleges that no adequate safety measures, warning signs or boards had been installed near the pole despite the potential danger. Police are investigating whether the alleged maintenance failure caused the electrical leakage and whether the prescribed safety measures for the installation were followed.
The CCTV camera’s functioning was supervised by the police, while the installation and maintenance contract had been awarded to Matrix Smart Technology, according to the report. The FIR therefore brings the safety of publicly installed surveillance infrastructure, as well as the division of responsibility between the supervising authority and the maintenance contractor, into the investigation.
Public CCTV systems are installed on roads and other publicly accessible locations, placing their poles, electrical connections and associated equipment within the everyday movement network of residents. In this case, the police investigation will examine the condition of the equipment, the maintenance history of the installation and the circumstances that allowed the pole to become hazardous.
The complaint has alleged that the danger was not marked through warning signs or boards. Police are also examining whether the required electrical protections were in place and whether faults were reported or addressed before the incident.
The investigation remains focused on the alleged electrical leakage, the maintenance of the CCTV installation and compliance with safety procedures. The FIR names Matrix Smart Technology in connection with the alleged negligence, while the police inquiry will determine the circumstances leading to the woman’s death and any responsibility arising from them.
