Goa power department worker electrocuted on duty; Congress blames Govt for negligence

Goa Khabar : A tragic incident occurred in Post Wada, Honda, Sattari on Tuesday, where Chandru Gaonkar, an employee of the Goa Electricity Department and a resident of Morle, lost his life due to electrocution while performing maintenance work on an electric pole.

According to sources, Gaonkar was working without adequate safety gear or a proper power shutdown — a situation that unions have repeatedly warned the government about. Another staffer, Sarvesh Gaonkar, also received an electric shock and sustained injuries after falling from the pole. He is currently undergoing treatment.

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly condemned the incident, holding the BJP-led state government and Power Minister Sudin Dhavlikar responsible for what it termed “criminal negligence.”

“This is not just an accident — it’s a result of gross administrative failure. Line staff continue to work in life-threatening conditions without proper equipment, hazard allowances, or safety protocols,” said GPCC Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar in a press statement.

The Congress has put forward six key demands, including:

A judicial inquiry into the incident,

₹50 lakh compensation for the deceased worker’s family,

Government employment for a family member,

Full medical care for the injured worker,

Strict implementation of safety protocols,

Resignation of Power Minister Sudin Dhavlikar.

Panjikar also stated that this incident is not isolated and reflects a pattern of systemic neglect towards electricity department staff.

The state government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations and demands.