Ahmedabad Couple Electrocuted in Rainwater-Filled Pothole: AMC Negligence Blamed

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A young couple lost their lives in a horrific incident of electrocution late Monday night in the Narol area of Ahmedabad, exposing yet again the dangerous mix of civic apathy, poor infrastructure, and official negligence. The tragedy occurred when their Activa scooter got stuck in a rainwater-filled pothole on Mutton Gali Road, causing both husband and wife to suffer a fatal electric shock.

The deceased were identified as Rajan Harjivanbhai Singhal and Ankitaben Rajanbhai Singhal, residents of Rudra Green Flats near Narol Police Station. They are survived by their young son.

According to eyewitnesses, the couple was navigating through nearly three feet of stagnant rainwater when their scooter suddenly struck a deep pothole. Ankitaben fell into the water, and Rajan instinctively tried to rescue her. Both were immediately electrocuted.

CCTV Footage Surfaces

CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the moment the scooter toppled and the couple collapsed after the electric current surged through the water. Locals rushed to the scene but were unable to help due to the live current.

Emergency services were alerted, and both the fire brigade and electricity company officials rushed to the spot. Power supply to the area was cut off before the couple was pulled out and rushed to hospital in a 108 ambulance. However, doctors declared both dead on arrival. Their bodies were later shifted to Civil Hospital for postmortem.

Anguish and Anger Against AMC

Relatives of the deceased expressed outrage at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), blaming its negligence for the deaths.

“My sister and brother-in-law were returning home after visiting a relative at LG Hospital. Everyone knew that the spot near Gopi Factory was dangerous, but no barricades, warning signs, or alerts were put up. The government knew, the AMC knew, yet nothing was done. Because of this negligence, two lives are gone,” said the grieving sister of Ankitaben.

She further lashed out: “We vote for you and trust the system, but what do we get in return? Just money spent on paper while people die on the roads. Who will now take care of their son, their parents, their family? This negligence only kills the poor. Will the government wake up only when the rich die?”

History of Negligence

The incident has reignited debate over AMC’s track record of failing to ensure basic safety on public roads. Residents pointed out that despite crores of rupees being allocated for road repair, Narol’s Mutton Gali Road has remained full of potholes for years.

Even after rains stop, waterlogging continues for days due to poor drainage, creating death traps for commuters. Locals claim they have repeatedly complained, but no action has been taken.

This is not the first electrocution death in the city this monsoon. On June 16, a youth named Jasraj Goyal died after being electrocuted from an AMC streetlight pole in Ghikanta. Investigations revealed that the maintenance contractor had failed to properly earth the pole.

AMC and Torrent Probe

After Monday’s incident, AMC officials inspected the scene, noting that heavy vehicle movement had weakened the road surface, which led to waterlogging of up to four inches. Torrent Power has begun checking underground cables and faulty lines in the area.

However, angry locals say inspections after deaths are meaningless. “Every time someone dies, AMC promises inquiries. But who is punished? Nobody. It’s always the common man who pays with his life,” said one resident.