Delhi Family Devastated by Dual Tragedy: Mother Electrocuted, Special Needs Son Dies Weeks Later
In a heartbreaking sequence of events that has left a family shattered, a 34-year-old woman from east Delhi was electrocuted by a live wire protruding from a pole in a waterlogged street, and her 14-year-old son with Down syndrome died just 23 days later, unable to cope with the loss of his primary caregiver.
The Fateful Day in Yamuna Vihar
On July 13, 2024, Poonam was navigating a waterlogged street in Yamuna Vihar, east Delhi, on her way to a diagnostic centre to inquire about medical tests for her son Arnav, who was hospitalized at the time. As she carefully made her way through the flooded area, she accidentally came into contact with a live electric wire that was carelessly jutting out from a pole.
The impact was immediate and devastating. Poonam was instantly electrocuted and thrown into the water. Despite prompt efforts by passersby who rushed her to a nearby hospital, she had already succumbed to her injuries by the time she reached medical care.
Investigation Stalled After One and a Half Years
More than eighteen months have passed since the tragic incident, yet authorities have failed to determine accountability for the shocking lapse that led to Poonam's death. The police registered a case of negligence at the time but have made little progress in their investigation.
According to recent statements to media outlets, police officials claim they are still awaiting the viscera analysis report to determine the exact cause of Poonam's death. This delay has left her family frustrated and without closure as they continue to seek justice for their loss.
Family's Quest for Justice
Poonam's husband Ravinder, a small-time trader and resident of Gamri Village in east Delhi, has filed a petition in the Karkardooma court demanding accountability for his wife's untimely demise. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
"Because of one act of utter negligence, my entire family has been shattered," Ravinder says with palpable grief. "Arnav depended on his mother for everything, and when she was gone, he couldn't cope. I am left alone, helplessly watching the authorities pass the buck."
The Tragic Aftermath: A Son's Devastating Loss
The impact of Poonam's sudden death on her son Arnav was immediate and heartbreaking. The 14-year-old, who suffered from Down syndrome, was already in a fragile state when he lost his primary caregiver. According to family members, Arnav was entirely reliant on his mother for daily care and emotional support.
Pankaj, a relative of the family, recalls the devastating effect on the teenager: "Losing Poonam broke him. Already in a fragile state, the shock of losing his primary caregiver worsened his condition dramatically."
Arnav began experiencing frequent seizures and sank into depression following his mother's death. His health deteriorated so rapidly that he had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Tragically, just 23 days after losing his lifeline, Arnav succumbed to his illness, compounding the family's unimaginable grief.
Allegations of Gross Negligence
Family members allege gross negligence on the part of the agencies responsible for maintaining the electric pole that caused Poonam's death. Pankaj states, "After the incident, departments kept shifting responsibilities. We haven't been informed yet who was at fault. Had the pole been maintained properly, the tragedy would never have taken place."
The relatives, who are still struggling to come to terms with the twin tragedies, remember Poonam as a tireless woman who worked hard to support her family. In addition to caring for Arnav and attending to his medical needs, she used to sell clothes in local markets to make ends meet and continue his treatment.
A Father's Unwavering Resolve
The absence of both his wife and only child has left Ravinder with a gaping void in his life. Yet, despite his overwhelming grief, he remains determined to seek justice. "The fight for justice must be fought to the end," he asserts, keeping his chin up even as he bears the enormous burden of his loss.
This tragic case highlights not only the dangers of poorly maintained public infrastructure in urban areas but also the devastating ripple effects that such negligence can have on vulnerable family members. As the legal proceedings continue, the family waits for answers that might bring some measure of closure to their unimaginable suffering.
