Heavy rain in city leaves 9 die of electrocution
The Statesman | 24 September 2025Waist-deep water on major roads turned into death traps for pedestrians and commuters. The first incident was reported in Netajinagar, where a fruit vendor, Pranotosh Kundu, 70, was electrocuted after losing balance in his bicycle navigating rushing waters and grabbing an electric pole. Another victim, identified as Ramlochan Yadav, died in Kalikapur after a similar accident. At Minto Park, Paban Ghorami was found dead following electrocution. Police said more deaths were reported across the city. A man was killed near a well-known sweet shop in Beniapukur after touching exposed wires, while another two victims, Firoz Ali (50) and Mumtaz Bibi died in Ekbalpore. The body of a yet-unidentified man was recovered from a footpath in Ballygunge on Tuesday morning.
Investigators believe he too died from electrocution. Later in the morning, another fatality was reported from Haridevpur’s Kabardanga area. The victim, identified as Shubho Pramanik, died after being electrocuted while switching on an electric pole metre at a local factory where he worked. Police said he collapsed instantly after coming in contact with electricity. Two more deaths were reported from Behala and Gariahat, where local residents discovered bodies and alerted authorities. Behala victim was identified as Subal Surja. Police confirmed both were suspected electrocution cases. The series of incidents triggered outrage across the city, which has long struggled with waterlogging during monsoon downpours.
Opposition leaders accused the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the state electricity authorities of negligence, saying the recurring tragedies highlight failures in urban planning and disaster management. “Every year, we see waterlogging during monsoons, but this year it has taken lives. These deaths are proof of systemic failures,” opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari said. The deaths came as Kolkata was paralysed by more than five hours of relentless rainfall early Tuesday. Public transport, schools and offices were severely disrupted, with several arterial roads under water. Officials warned the death toll could rise if conditions persisted.
