Farmer and his 16-year-old son die of electric shock at Pushpavati river pump in Junnar

A farmer and his son died of an electric shock on the Pushpavati river, which flows through the limits of Madh village in the western part of Junnar taluka, on Sunday (the 25th) between 4 pm and 5 pm.

The deceased are Rajesh Devram Chakve (44) and his son Smit Rajesh Chakve (16). The incident has plunged the Pargaon area, as well as Madh and the Malshej Ghat region, into mourning.

According to preliminary information, the father and son, residents of Pargaon, had gone to check an electric pump on the Pushpavati river, which passes through the limits of Madh village. The river water is used for farming, and they had gone to the pump site for that reason. They received a severe electric shock and both died on the spot. This is the initial information.

As news of the incident spread, deep grief set in across the area. The Chakve family has been devastated by the death of the father and son, who had gone to the river for farm work. Relatives and villagers are in shock at the sudden loss of two members of the household.

Safety of electrical equipment is vital when electric pumps are used in farming. Any fault in the pump, wiring or joints can endanger lives. Regular checks of such equipment and the necessary precautions while doing electrical work are therefore essential.

In rural areas, electric pumps are widely run on rivers, wells and streams for irrigation. If a fault in the equipment is not caught in time, such accidents are a risk. The incident has again raised the question of safety of electrical equipment in farming.

People in Pargaon, Madh and nearby areas are grieved by the accident and are consoling the Chakve family. The actual cause of the accident needs to be established by an official inquiry.