Pune: An illegally installed hoarding in Pune’s Nana Peth area has led to a heartbreaking tragedy. An 8-year-old girl died of electrocution, and an 11-year-old boy was severely injured after coming in contact with a metal board carrying live current. The incident occurred near Doke Talim at Andekar Chowk on June 1.
Initially, the case was recorded as an accidental death. However, following a detailed police investigation and post-mortem report, two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have now been registered against Shivam Udaykant Andekar and his associates at the Samarth Police Station. The charges include causing death by negligence and electricity theft.
According to police reports, the incident took place when the young girl was playing near a hoarding labeled “Late Popular Corporator Udaykantji Andekar Chowk.” While playing, she accidentally touched the iron structure and received a fatal electric shock. A nearby 11-year-old boy, who attempted to help her, was also electrocuted and is currently recovering from serious injuries.
The post-mortem, conducted at Sassoon Hospital, confirmed that the girl’s death was caused by electrocution. This prompted further investigation by Samarth Police, which revealed alarming lapses.
Investigations uncovered that the hoarding had been installed without any official approval from the Pune Municipal Corporation. Moreover, it had been illegally connected to a nearby electric pole, causing the entire metal structure to carry live current.
Police have now registered a case against Shivam Andekar—identified as a known criminal—and his accomplices under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for causing death due to negligence.
In a separate complaint filed by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s electricity department, another FIR has been lodged under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act for unauthorized power usage and electricity theft.
Senior Police Inspector Umesh Gitte of Samarth Police Station is leading the investigation into both cases. Authorities have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken against all those found responsible for this preventable tragedy.
