Cover open electric cables in Dhanmondi: High Court

All uncovered electric cables at Jhigatola in Dhanmondi residential area in Dhaka have to be covered up, the High Court ruled today while hearing a case of a child burnt by a stray live cable.

Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) has been directed to take step to cover the open wires in the residential area for public safety within the next 60 days.

Also, the court directed Dhaka Medical College Hospital authorities to use state fund to treat seven-year-old Rafsan Noor, the child who was injured in contact with a 11,000 Volt stray wire.

Additionally, a rule has been issued asking the authorities to explain why they should not be directed to compensate Tk 1 crore to the victim’s family. A show cause has been issued on the failure to set up safe electric line, and why such failure should not be declared illegal.

The High Court bench of Justice Quazi Reza-UlHoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the order and rule following a writ petition filed by Rafsan’s father KM RezaulFiroz.

Petitioner’s lawyer Advocate Muntasir Mahmud Rahman told The Daily Star Rafsan suffered 20 percent burns after he came in touch with an open live wire in his Jigatola house, Dhanmondi on November 27.

He is now attending treatment at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.