Mangalore: MESCOM Lineman's Death - IFKCA Warns of Intense Protest
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, May 29: As reported earlier by Daijiworld, the unfortunate death of MESCOM Gerald Veigas of Thokur village has put his family in total distress. Gerald who was on duty on Saturday May 12 was checking for faults in Vamanjoor area as there was no power. He fixed two jumpers and while he was fixing the third one, electricity suddenly passed through the wire and he got electrocuted.
Addressing reporters here on Tuesday May 29, Denis D’Silva, state convener of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), alleged that branch officer of Vamanjoor feeder Gurumurthy took lineman Gerald Veigas and Shanthakumar to repair the fault in Vamanjoor without taking the permission of Kavoor branch officer or assistant chief executive engineer. They were forcibly made to work, he said.
"Also, during the repair work, Gerald was not provided with any safety equipment. After the work when GOS in Mangalajyothi was started, electricity passed on the wire and Gerald was electrocuted. At this crucial time too, Gurumurthy did not even extend first aid to Gerald and did not admit him to the hospital. Instead he fled from the spot," Denis alleged.
"However, in a baseless statement given to the media, Mangalore Division chief executive engineer Manjappa said an employee of one branch could be made to work in another. This statement was to safeguard Gurumurthy," he said.
Denis said the death of Gerald was equal to that of murder. "Though the kin of the deceased family filed a complaint with the police, Gurumurthy has not been arrested yet," he said.
He also demanded that Gurumurthy and Manjappa be suspended and MESCOM help the children of Gerald in their education.
"In case no police action is initiated, the family of Gerald, public and some social unions will lay siege to MESCOM in the coming days to deman justice," he warned.
IFKCA, Udupi president Louis Lobo, Gerald's mother Lathesia Veigas, wife Zeena Veigas, and cousin Darvin were present at the press meet.
Special Report: