Amit Shah speaks to Uttarakhand CM, enquires about deaths due to electrocution in Chamoli

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and enquired about over a dozen deaths due to electrocution in the state's Chamoli district.

Shah took to Twitter to share his feeling about the incident, terming the incident "very sad". In a telephonic conversation with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, the Home Minister took detailed input about the incident.
"Death of people due to electrocution in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is very sad. I talked to Chief Minister @pushkardhami ji and inquired about the incident. The administration is engaged in providing treatment to the injured. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery," Shah tweeted.

As many as 15 people were electrocuted to death after they came in contact with a railing of an electrified bridge above the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. As per officials, the casualties include a police sub-inspector and three home guards.

"Around 15 people including a police sub-inspector and five home guards have died. The investigation is underway. Prima Facie reveals that there was current on the railing and the investigation will reveal further details," Additional Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, V Murugesan said.

Earlier in the day, the cause behind deaths was said to be a transformer explosion, on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district. The police officer said that the injured persons have been admitted to the district hospital.