Exemplary Courage in Saharsa: Presence of Mind of Cousin-in-Law Saves Multiple Lives During Woman's Death by Electrocution; Wave of Mourning in Dhaubali Purvi Panchayat
Saharsa (Bihar): A deeply tragic and heart-wrenching incident has emerged from Dhaubali Purvi Panchayat under the Saur Bazar block of Saharsa district, sending shockwaves through the entire region. A sudden disaster struck a group of women who had gone to the fields to cut grass when one woman was tragically killed on the spot after coming into contact with a snapped 11,000-volt high-tension wire. Amidst this horrifying scene, however, the promptness and presence of mind of one woman averted a massive catastrophe and saved the lives of several other women.
According to a detailed report received from the 'Hindustan' correspondent, a total of 10 women, including Gita Devi (the deceased), had gone to the fields to harvest grass. The eyewitness account and harrowing details narrated by family members are spine-chilling. Below is a comprehensive report on this tragic accident, the heroism displayed by cousin-in-law Chandrakala Devi, and the actions taken by the administration.
Details of the Incident: 10 Women Gone for Grass Harvesting
In the rural pockets of Dhaubali Purvi Panchayat, women frequently form groups and head into fields to collect fodder (grass) for livestock. On Friday morning, Gita Devi set out toward the fields accompanied by her companions and her cousin-in-law, Chandrakala Devi.
Timing and Cause of the Accident: An 11,000-volt high-tension power line passing overhead suddenly developed a technical fault and snapped, plummeting to the ground. Gita Devi, who was cutting grass right at the spot where the wire fell, became its immediate victim.
Immediate Impact: The electric current was so intense that Gita Devi did not even get a chance to recover and collapsed instantly, dying on the spot. Hearing her screams, other women nearby panicked, triggering widespread chaos.
Presence of Mind in Crisis: Chandrakala Devi Emerges as a 'Guardian Angel'
According to the women present at the scene, the entire field became electrically charged after the wire broke. Had there been even a slight delay, or had the women panicked and scattered blindly, the casualty toll could have been significantly higher.
Chandrakala Devi’s Prompt Action: Seeing Gita Devi fall prey to the live current, the remaining women panicked and began shouting. Instead of losing her composure, Gita's cousin-in-law, Chandrakala Devi, quickly assessed the situation. She immediately shouted warnings to all the women, instructing them not to take a single step toward the field and warning them against touching the fallen wire.
Averting a Major Disaster: Risking her own life, Chandrakala Devi guided everyone to a safe distance. She directed the other women present to immediately notify the electricity department and summon local men for help. Her timely alertness successfully protected the other nine women in the field at that moment, who narrowly escaped falling victim to the deadly current.
Rural Outrage and Administrative Response
As news of the accident spread, grief engulfed Dhaubali Purvi Panchayat. Mourning descended upon the family of the deceased Gita Devi, and her young children and relatives were inconsolable.
Villagers' Protest: Enraged villagers blocked the Dhaubali-Saharsa road, accusing the electricity department of gross negligence. The villagers stated that the high-tension wires passing over the fields were hanging dangerously low, a grievance they had reported to the department multiple times, though officials failed to take it seriously.
Assurances from Officials: Upon receiving information, local police and electricity department officials arrived at the scene. The Block Development Officer (BDO) and Circle Officer (CO) assured the victim's family of appropriate compensation. Panchayati Raj public representatives also urged the government to provide immediate financial assistance to the deceased's family.
Negligence Toward Safety: A Critical Issue
This incident is not only an irreparable loss for Gita Devi's family but also exposes major flaws in the overall power distribution framework.
Why Do Wires Fall?: The lack of maintenance for dilapidated lines and failure to maintain standard wire heights remain major issues plaguing rural parts of Bihar. Such accidents occur frequently, yet accountability from responsible officials is rarely enforced.
Absence of Safety Protocols: The electricity department must conduct regular surveys of agricultural lands and fields to replace aging wires in a timely manner.
Gita Devi's death devastated a family in Dhaubali Purvi Panchayat, but the courage and presence of mind displayed by her cousin-in-law, Chandrakala Devi, are truly commendable. The manner in which she maintained control during a moment of crisis and guided the other women saved nine more households from tragedy. This incident serves as a vital lesson that the electricity department must establish accountability to prevent another 'Gita' from losing her life prematurely in the future. The administration must provide all possible assistance to the bereaved family, identify the negligent officials, and enforce strict action against them.
