Sri Vijaya Puram | October 11, 2026
T. Adinarayan, a 59-year-old Switch Board-cum-Engine Operator (SBEO) of the Electricity Department posted at Chatham Power House under the Power Generation (PG) Division, died on October 8, 2026, four days after sustaining fatal electrical injuries while performing maintenance work at Chatham Power House on October 4.
According to an order issued by the Commissioner for Employees’ Compensation, Sri Vijaya Puram, the accident occurred at approximately 8:48 AM on October 4, when Adinarayan was performing maintenance work on a 33 kV high-voltage (HV) breaker dead panel at Chatham Power House. During the work, an electrical spark or flash emanated from the rear side of the breaker panel, causing injuries to the employee.
Following the accident, he was shifted to G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram and subsequently referred to Chennai for further medical treatment. He received treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai but succumbed to his injuries on October 8.
The compensation order records that Adinarayan was 59 years old at the time of his death. After examining the accident report and documents submitted by the Electricity Department, the Commissioner determined the compensation payable under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
The Commissioner has directed the Executive Engineer (PG), Electricity Department, Sri Vijaya Puram, to deposit ₹9,07,875 as compensation with the Commissioner for Employees’ Compensation within 30 days from the date of issuance of the order. The amount will be apportioned among the eligible dependants of the deceased in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Separately, the Electricity Employees Welfare Union (EEWU), in a representation dated October 9, 2026, has sought an immediate, impartial and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. The representation has been submitted to several authorities, including the Prime Minister, Union Power Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs and Central Electricity Authority, with copies to senior officials of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Electricity Department.
The union has requested the preservation of CCTV footage and official records relating to the incident and has sought an examination of the circumstances under which Adinarayan was assigned the maintenance work, the chain of command at the site and whether prescribed electrical safety procedures were followed.
The representation has also called for an examination of the roles of the concerned supervisory officers and the circumstances relating to private or hired power-generation plants reportedly operating within or around the PG Division campus. The union has stated that responsibility should be determined through documentary evidence, technical findings, witness statements and applicable law.
The EEWU has further requested that all admissible compensation and service-related benefits be released to the bereaved family without delay and that the case of an eligible dependent for compassionate appointment be considered under the applicable rules.
The union has urged the competent authorities to conduct a time-bound investigation and initiate criminal or departmental proceedings if violations or negligence are established.
