Ahmedabad: A 21-year-old youth, Jasraj Goyal, died on June 16 in the city’s Ghee Kanta area after being electrocuted by a live streetlight pole during rains. Later, the investigation revealed that the pole, maintained by M/s Sun Trading Company on behalf of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), had not been provided with earthing or safety measures, leading to the fatal accident.

Following a complaint lodged by Jasraj’s brother, Swaroop Goyal, Shahpur police registered an offence of negligence against Sun Trading Company’s owner, Dharmendra Shah. According to the FIR, Jasraj, who worked at a garment shop in Padmavati Complex in the same area, was passing by when he came in contact with the pole, collapsed, and died on the spot. The complaint alleges that despite being responsible for the upkeep of streetlight poles, the contractor failed to ensure public safety.

The incident sparked questions from the opposition about AMC’s accountability. With over two lakh poles across the city and frequent complaints of non-functional or unsafe poles, the civic body is accused of shielding the contractor by only issuing show-cause notices instead of taking firm action. Opposition leaders have also questioned why no strict action is taken against negligent officials and contractors. DeshGujarat