Mizoram power dept officer suspended for 'negligence' resulting in lineman's death

AIZAWL: The sub-divisional officer (SDO) of the Mizoram power & electricity department posted at southern Lawngtlai power division was on Friday placed under suspension by the state government over alleged criminal negligence that resulted in the death of a lineman a day earlier.
The lineman, Francis Rochungnunga (30), a provisional employee of the department, was repairing an electrical line in Lawngtlai town when power flow was suddenly enabled and he was electrocuted to death at 4pm on Thursday.
Later in the night, a mob gathered at the power & electricity divisional office at Lawngtlai, demanding justice for the deceased worker. The mob dispersed after power minister R Lalzirliana assured them of punishing those responsible for the incident.
Another provisional employee, who was on duty in the control room when the incident took place, was charged with criminal offence and a case against him was registered at the Lawngtlai police station, police said.
Sources said the deceased worker's wife would be given a compassionate appointment by the department.