Rourkela: A 63-year-old man died while trying to save his grandson from electrocution, while three others are critical Tuesday, triggering protests at Birmitrapur community health centre in Sundargarh district on Wednesday, with locals alleging contractor negligence.Isdor Kusma was electrocuted Tuesday afternoon at Jayakudar village under Raiboga police station limits when he rushed to rescue his three-year-old grandson, Asbik Kusma, who came in contact with a live wire. Kusma’s elder brother Mikhail (65) and the latter’s wife Friska were also electrocuted while attempting to help the child. They are stated to be critical.Police said a community hall was under construction near Kusma’s house, and the contractor had allegedly drawn an illegal connection from a nearby electric pole, leaving a live wire exposed. According to police, the child accidentally touched a live wire that fell on the ground while playing. As Isdor rushed to save him, he came in contact with the wire and died on the spot, while Mikhail and Friska sustained injuries.Locals alerted electricity officials, following which the power supply was disconnected. They were taken to Andali public health centre and later shifted to Birmitrapur CHC, where doctors declared Isdor brought dead. The three injured were referred to Rourkela Govt Hospital and later shifted to a private facility. Asbik and Mikhail are admitted to the ICU, while Friska is being treated in a general ward.Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family alleging negligence by the contractor, Raiboga police registered a cognisable offence and launched an investigation. On Wednesday, residents protested at Birmitrapur CHC, demanding compensation for the victims. They warned that the post-mortem would not be allowed until their demands were met. Talks over compensation were on. “We have registered a case based on the complaint and the matter is under investigation,” said Dibya Oram, IIC of Raiboga police station.
