Special Correspondent
Pune : In a tragic incident near Bremen Chowk in Aundh, two young men died of electrocution after reportedly coming into contact with an MSEB (Maharashtra State Electricity Board) distribution panel (DP) located near a public toilet. The incident occurred late on the night of July 13 and has sparked questions over the safety of electrical infrastructure in public areas.
The deceased have been identified as Vinod Chintaman Khirsagar (29), an auto-rickshaw driver residing in Kasturba Gandhi Vasahat, Aundh, and Saurabh Vijay Nikalje (27), a private employee from Kothrud.
According to police officials, Vinod did not return home on the night of July 13, prompting his mother to file a missing person complaint. During the search, both Vinod and Saurabh were found lying unconscious near the MSEB DP located close to the public toilet in Bremen Chowk.
Preliminary investigations suggest the duo may have unknowingly touched or come too close to the live electrical unit, resulting in a fatal shock. Local residents alerted the police after spotting the bodies, following which officials from Chatushrungi Police Station, along with MSEB personnel, rushed to the spot. The power supply was immediately disconnected to ensure safe retrieval of the bodies.
The exact cause whether it was exposed wiring, rain-induced short-circuit, or negligence in DP maintenance is under investigation. Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR), and further inquiries are underway to determine accountability, especially whether lapses in MSEB’s infrastructure safety led to the tragedy.
Local citizens have expressed anger and concern over the presence of an unsecured live DP in a high-footfall area. Several have demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation and MSEB jointly conduct a safety audit of all electrical installations near public spaces, especially toilets, parks, and slum pockets.
A civic activist from the area commented, “This is not just an accident—it’s a result of negligence. If the DP was faulty or poorly maintained, MSEB must be held responsible.”
Police are also examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to piece together the sequence of events. Meanwhile, both families are in deep shock, and social organizations have urged the government to offer compensation to the victims’ kin.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about the safety of public infrastructure in Pune, especially during the monsoon, when exposed wiring and flooded electrical panels become potential hazards.
Further updates are awaited following the post-mortem reports and forensic inspection of the DP.
