State vs Discom Blame Game Over Electrocution Deaths During Kolkata Deluge

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pointed fingers at power utility CESC for alleged negligence in electrocution fatalities

Kolkata:

Following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations that CESC's negligence led to electrocution deaths in Kolkata and surrounding areas, the power distribution company has rejected responsibility, claiming the fatalities were not connected to their electrical network.

Heavy overnight rainfall left Kolkata inundated yesterday morning. Numerous areas experienced waterlogging, more than 100 flights were disrupted, and traffic movement was severely hampered. Amid this crisis, 10 people lost their lives, primarily due to electrocution.

While the state administration has attributed the tragic deaths to CESC -- Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation -- and demanded compensation for victims, the power utility has contested this position.

In a video statement, CESC spokesperson Avijit Ghosh reported that eight electrocution incidents were documented in and around Kolkata yesterday. "Our thorough investigation into these fatalities revealed that five deaths resulted from defective internal wiring in residences and a factory. Two deaths occurred when individuals came into contact with street lamp posts that are not under our ownership or maintenance. Another death happened when someone touched a traffic signal kiosk," he explained.

'As a matter of abundant caution considering public safety, due to extreme water-logging as a result of incessant rainfall, supply to certain areas continues to be kept switched off proactively by us.We shall be able to restore power only when we are informed by the appropriate authorities that the water has receded to safer levels," pic.twitter.com/hSuWa5Ex4i

— CESC Limited (@CESCLimited) September 23, 2025"We are distressed by these deaths. We will remain vigilant and ensure such incidents do not recur," the CESC spokesperson affirmed.

The power utility also emphasized through social media that street lights and traffic signals are not under their maintenance purview.

"As a matter of abundant caution considering public safety, due to extreme water-logging as a result of incessant rainfall, supply to certain areas continues to be kept switched off proactively by us. We shall be able to restore power only when we are informed by the appropriate authorities that the water has receded to safer levels," CESC stated in an X post yesterday.

"Kindly note that Street Light Poles and Traffic lights are not owned, maintained or managed by CESC. Our team is working round the clock, monitoring the situation and we are in touch with all appropriate authorities at all times. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. Kindly bear with us. Please take care and continue to stay safe," the company added.

CESC Limited operates under the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, led by billionaire Sanjiv Goenka, who also owns the IPL cricket franchise Lucknow Super Giants. The company provides electricity to Kolkata and neighboring regions including Howrah.

In her social media statement yesterday, Chief Minister Banerjee offered condolences to families who lost loved ones "on account of the negligence of the CESC". "There can be no compensation for death and no alternative to life. Yet, we will ensure employment for one member of each of the victim families. I have asked the CESC to offer compensation as well. These families deserve this compensation, besides our heartfelt empathy," she stated.

"Electricity is supplied by CESC, not us. It is their duty to ensure people do not suffer because of this. They will do business here, but will not modernise? They should send people to the field and fix this," she further remarked. Ms. Banerjee also mentioned in television interviews that she had discussed the deaths with Mr. Goenka.