Torn power line kills farmer in Patuakhali, locals protest

A farmer was electrocuted and killed after becoming entangled in a live power line that had fallen onto a road in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Yusuf Rari, 50, of Kamalapur area in Keshabpur union.

The incident occurred around 2pm near Kamalapur School. Locals said a power line had snapped from a pole on Sunday while an excavator was being moved along the road. Although the matter was reported to the Palli Bidyut office, the damaged line was allegedly not repaired.

Yusuf reportedly went to the area to collect grass for cattle when he came into contact with the fallen wire. He died at the scene despite attempts by locals to rescue him.

Following the incident, angry residents surrounded the Palli Bidyut’s Mominpur zonal office and staged a protest, demanding action against those responsible.

Some locals also alleged that customers had been asked to pay money for repairing the line and that the repair was not carried out after they refused. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Efforts to contact officials of the Bauphal zonal office, including the deputy general manager and assistant general manager, were unsuccessful.

Bauphal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Islam said police were sent to the scene after receiving the news and brought the situation under control.

SKS