Yogesh K Porwar & Avanth Kumar Kankariya
Mahesh Gowder,a 38-year-old BESCOM lineman drowned in Tippur lake of Gubbi taluk on Saturday morning while he attending power restoration work which interrupted due to heavy pouring.
This departmental fatal mechanical accident occurred at Bidare feeding of Gubbi sub-division.
After getting information of the local people, Mahesh Gowder left for rectification work of faulty F6 Jenigarahalli feeder.
To restore the power, he tried to swim in the lake, but could not reach the pole point situated in the middle of the lake,drowned in the water.
His colleagues had alerted him not to do risky adventure, but he jumped into water.Immediate search operation made with help of Fire and emergency services personnel,but could not trace the body on Saturday.
After recovering the body on Sunday morning and the post-mortem before handing over to his family members.
His final rites has taken place at Bagalkot district on Monday, said BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi.
Since he died on the line of duty,BESCOM released Rs.17000 under life coverage scheme along with death relief fund, Rs.32 lakhs will be released immediately to his family, said BESCOM MD.
“Our powerman has taken risk without carrying his life.It was unfortunate incident.BESCOM will stand with his family members.
Under workmen compensation scheme, Rs.10 lakhs will be given to his family and his wife will get job in BESCOM under compassionate ground, Mr.Bilagi added.
In addition the New India Assurance Company Limited will be given Rs.10 lakh of life insurance under group insurance scheme, BESCOM MD said.
