Naktideula/Bargarh: Two persons died of electrocution in Sambalpur and Bargarh districts in the last 24 hours.
A lineman was electrocuted while repairing an 11-kv transmission line by climbing atop a utility pole at Sankhapur village under Naktideula police limits in Sambalpur district Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Pathru Pradhan (55). He was repairing the supply line when he received electric shock and dropped dead on the ground.
On being informed, police seized the body Sunday and sent it for post-mortem. Villagers demanded financial assistance to the bereaved family as Pradhan was its lone breadwinner.
Similarly, a 45-year-old priest was electrocuted after he came in contact with a livewire near his house at Bugabugah village under Attabira police limits in Bargarh district Sunday.
The deceased Gayadhar Guru was a priest in a Shiva temple in the village. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
According to sources, the incident occurred in the morning when Gayadhar was busy with his daily household chores and accidentally came in contact with a live low-tension line, passing through his house. He died on the spot.
The villagers have demanded Rs 2 lakh compensation for the bereaved family. They alleged that negligence of the electricity department is the major reason behind the mishap.
PNN