Bhaderwah, Sept 5: A pall of gloom descended on Bhaderwah after the tragic death of an electric employee, Pankaj Mehta, who died of electric shock while performing duty at Grid Station Khalani in Doda district on Wednesday.
Official sources said Pankaj Mehta, Technician Grade-III at TMLD Khalani and a resident of Seri Bazaar Bhaderwah, received a fatal shock while jointing the supply circuit. He was rushed for medical aid but could not survive.
His last rites will be performed today at Guptagang Shamshan Ghat. As the news reached Bhaderwah last evening, people from all walks of life rushed to his residence to console the bereaved family.
Locals described Pankaj as a noble and humble soul, known for his soft-spoken nature and warm relations with people of all faiths. The Mehta family in Bhaderwah valley is well known for its role in promoting communal harmony and social service.
People termed his untimely death as a great loss to the society. Pankaj Mehta leaves behind two children, including a young daughter, adding to the grief of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, AEE PDD Bhaderwah along with all departmental employees visited the grief-stricken family and offered heartfelt condolences. Besides, condolence messages also poured in from various social, political and religious organizations, expressing solidarity with the bereaved family and paying tributes to the departed soul.
Employees’ unions and locals have also urged the authorities to ensure proper safety measures and protective equipment for field staff to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
By Mansoor Qadir.
