Chennai Corporation conservancy worker electrocuted in Kannagi Nagar TNUHDB complex

A 30-year-old conservancy worker residing in the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) complex in Kannagi Nagar, Thoraipakkam, was allegedly electrocuted early on Saturday (August 23, 2025).

“R. Varalakshmi, the conservancy worker for Adyar Zone of Greater Chennai Corporation, accidentally stepped on an electric cable submerged in stagnant rainwater and was electrocuted. Her body was taken to Royapettah Government hospital for a postmortem,” according to Ward 196 councillor K. Ashwini Karuna.

Residents of Kannagi Nagar have repeatedly lodged complaints with the Electricity Board stating that live electric cables were lying dangerously across the 11th cross street in Kannagi Nagar, yet no action was taken, she said.

Murugan, a volunteer of Arappor Iyakkam and a resident of the complex, said that multiple complaints had been raised with TANGEDCO, the most recent being just two months ago.

“The Chennai Corporation is now clearing the water stagnation, but this is not always the case. Even after moderate rainfall, the inundation is often not addressed promptly, despite repeated notifications to the local authorities,” he said.

Jayaram Venkatesh of Arappor Iyakkam said complaints regarding live electricity cables dangerously exposed in several places across Kannagi Nagar, Ezhil Nagar, and Perumbakkam were being raised repeatedly, yet no action was taken.

Varalakshmi is survived by a 11-year-old daughter and a 8-year-old son. She was the sole breadwinner of her family, according to him. “Immediate action must be taken against the negligent officials of the Electricity Board and the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board responsible for this tragedy. The Tamil Nadu Government must provide ₹1 crore as compensation to the family,” he said.

Chennai Corporation officials for Sholinganallur Zone, with police personnel, said they are on the way to the spot to assess the situation.