PU student electrocuted on school grounds in Tumakuru; case against KEB officials

Hanging wires where Puneeth, a PU student, was electrocuted in Koratagere taluk, Tumkur on Friday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A 16-year-old first-year Pre-University (PU) student died after allegedly receiving an electric shock while playing on the premises of a government primary school in Borappanahatti village of Koratagere taluk in Tumakuru district on Friday evening.

The deceased was identified as Puneeth, son of Ravikumar, a student at Government Pre-University College, Urukere.

According to the police and preliminary reports, the incident took place around 5.30 pm when Puneeth was playing a traditional spinning wheel with his friends at the Government Lower Primary School campus in Borappanahatti.

Initial investigations suggest that recent rains may have damaged power lines supplying power to the school, resulting in a power leak. Puneeth reportedly came in contact with an electrified section and suffered severe electrocution, collapsing on the spot.

Family members and local residents immediately rushed him to Tumakuru hospital where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

The incident sparked outrage among villagers and the victim’s family, who said they had repeatedly alerted school authorities as well as Bescom officials about the damaged power line and the danger it posed. They claimed that no remedial action was taken despite several complaints.

The villagers demanded strict action against those responsible, accused the authorities of negligence and besides immediate inspection and repair of the school’s electrical infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies, demanded adequate compensation for the bereaved.

Acting on the complaint, the Koratagere police registered a case against the concerned KEB officials on charges of causing death by negligence.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 22:54 IST