Worker Dies from Electric Shock at Samardung's Teesta VI Hydro Project Site in Namchi District

Worker Dies from Electric Shock at Teesta VI Hydro Project Site A 35-year-old worker, Swana Manjhi, tragically lost his life due to an electric shock while working at the Teesta VI Hydro Electric Project in Samardung, District Namchi. Manjhi, originally from Jharkhand, was employed by Patel Engineering Ltd. and was working the night shift in the tunnel’s Phase V-B area. According to preliminary reports, Manjhi was repositioning a 220-volt movable floodlight when he suffered an electric shock. His colleagues immediately transported him to District Hospital Singtam, but he was declared dead upon arrival. Manjhi’s duties involved debris clearing, mucking, and installing shuttering within the tunnel, and floodlights were reportedly managed by a designated electrician. An inquest was conducted by an Executive Magistrate at the hospital mortuary, followed by a medico-legal autopsy. Afterward, Manjhi’s body was released to his legal guardian. Authorities are now investigating potential negligence on the part of Patel Engineering Ltd. to determine if safety protocols were followed. The company’s safety standards and working conditions in the tunnel are currently under review, and legal action will be taken if any lapses are found. The case, registered under FIR No. 30/2024, Section 194 of the BNSS, 2023, is being actively investigated by the police.