Magisterial probe ordered
SHILLONG: Six members of a family, including a 35-year-old pregnant woman and her seven-month-old infant, died from electrocution in Mawphlang block on Thursday afternoon.
This prompted the district administration to order a magisterial probe into the incident.
The incident happened at Nongthjymmaineng in Mawphlang block around 2 pm on Thursday.
Initial reports indicate that the wiring in the meter box was tangled with the CGI sheet. The woman, Prisdalin Shangpliang, who was five-month pregnant, was the first one to be electrocuted followed by her four children – Kamustar (9), Sngewbhalang (6), Bedingstar (5) and Sisharlin (2 year 6 months) – who ran towards her. The woman was carrying the seven-month-old baby. All the six died on the spot.      A transformer is located near the residence and it is suspected that this might have caused the accident since similar problem was reported in the nearby houses though there was no casualty so far.
According to police, the incident was caused reportedly, due to leakage of electricity from the nearby transformer.
The father, Tirot Sing Khyriem, was not at home at the time of the accident, sources said. The couple has 11 children.
East Khasi Hills DC and chairman of District Disaster Management Authority PS Dkhar has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and the BDO, who is an Extra Assistant Commissioner, will conduct the inquiry and submit a report.
“We also expressed our condolences to the bereaved family,” he said and added that adequate compensation would be provided to the next kin of the relatives.
While there have been several cases of electrocution in the State in the past, the worst was at Khliehriat West village in East Jaintia Hills in 2013 when seven members of two families, mostly students, died.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma expressed shock and pain at the incident and directed the district administration to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. He also extended all possible assistance to the bereaved family.
“Precious lives are lost and the government stands committed to ensure that a thorough inquiry is conducted to find out the root cause so that such incidents do not happen again,” Sangma said while extending his condolences to the bereaved family members.