Alfred Fernandes
SANGUEM: With the government yet to show its compassion towards the family of late Devidas Dattaram Velip, a line helper attached to Electricity Department Office, Sanguem, who died under tragic circumstances at Maida in Curdi on April 25 evening, the death of the lone bread winner has left his wife Diksha and their three minor children to fight for survival.
A pall of gloom has descended on the family of late Devidas, who died due to electrocution while restoring the electricity supply on the 11 kV power supply line at Maida. Devidas’ death has created a void in his family, informed a close family source and added that despite the incident, which occurred a week ago, the government is yet to offer compensation to family.
Diksha had never dreamt that her life would turn so miserable at a time when she longed for her husband Devidas to be at her side in bringing up their children.
A sobbing Diksha says following her husband’s death, the children have been asking her as to what happened to their father and when would he return home.
For Diksha, life has literally come to a standstill as she finds herself in spot of bother as to from where to begin.
Recalling the memorable days with her husband, she says Devidas as a responsible husband would return home immediately after work to play with the children. Diksha had dreamt of a bright future for her children with her husband’s support.
The only solace for Diksha is now to get a government job on compassionate grounds.
The Electricity Department is investigating the incident and the same is likely to be summarised in two days.
Meanwhile, Netravali Deputy Sarpanch Abhijit Desai has called on the Electricity Department to provide financial relief to the deceased’s family and has also urged the state government to provide a government job to the deceased’s wife on compassionate grounds. Desai has demanded that a detailed inquiry be conducted into the matter to probe as to how Devidas came in touch with the live wires when in fact he had cut off the power supply before climbing the pole.
The villagers say Devidas was hard working and during his childhood days, he used to work in the fields. He worked as a local bus conductor before joining the electricity department two years back as line helper.
Besides Devidas was also supporting the children of his two brothers.
