Mamata Banerjee Holds Private Power Utility Responsible for 7 Electrocution Deaths
Mamata Banerjee blames CESC Ltd for seven electrocution deaths in Kolkata; urges emergency measures and humanitarian response
Kolkata, Sept 24: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday held private power utility CESC Ltd responsible for the deaths of seven people due to electrocution in Kolkata. The fatalities occurred when exposed electrical wires came into contact with floodwaters following overnight heavy rains.
Addressing the media, Banerjee said, “CESC should take responsibility for such deaths. They should immediately deploy their personnel on an emergency basis to prevent recurrence of similar tragedies.” She criticized the utility for focusing on infrastructure modernisation in Rajasthan while neglecting safety upgrades in West Bengal, despite repeated reminders.
The Chief Minister also urged CESC to provide jobs to at least one member of each family affected by the electrocution deaths. As of now, the utility has not responded to her remarks.
Banerjee further appealed to residents of Kolkata and nearby areas to stay indoors during the day, and requested private companies not to penalize employees who are unable to attend work due to the weather conditions.
In view of ongoing heavy rains and forecasts of inclement weather, the state education department has advanced the festival holidays by two days. All government, aided, and sponsored schools (except in hill areas) will remain closed on September 24 and 25, 2025.
