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[VIDEO] Hoarding claims another life, 13-year-old electrocuted by bank advertisement in Tamil Nadu

Cuddalore: Hoarding and banners continue to remain a menace in Tamil Nadu. A 13-year-old boy was electrocuted when he came in contact with a pole in which an ATM advertisement of a public sector bank was mounted.

The incident took place in Cuddalore district when the Class 9 student was returning home after visiting a health centre.

This is the second death caused by an advertisement hoarding in the state of Tamil Nadu in two months. 

Meanwhile, police have registered a case under Section 304A (death by negligence) against the bank manager, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and the National Highways Department. 

The incident took place when the boy touched the pole on which the ATM advertisement was mounted. The parents of the deceased said that he went to visit a local health centre as he was suffering from fever.

The victim was on a bicycle when a vehicle came from the opposite direction and in trying to avoid the vehicle he lost his balance and touched the pole. 

A live wire meant to provide electricity to a bulb on the hoarding was touching the pole, thereby passing current into it. As the boy touched the pole, he was electrocuted. 

This is the second such incident in which an innocent life was lost. Though the police have registered a case of death by negligence, the questions remain who are those responsible for this negligence. 

Chennai: Illegal banner claims another life, 23-year-old dies after hoarding falls on her

In a similar incident on September 12, a 23-year-old girl died after an illegally put banner fell on her in Pallikaranai area of Chennai. The deceased was identified as Subhashree, who was injured while she was riding her two-wheeler on the road. 

An illegal banner which was installed by an All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) functionary for a family function fell on Subhashree, making her fall on the road. Meanwhile, a lorry which was right behind her ran over her.

She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the hospital staff. 

Despite several warnings and orders from the Madras High Court, the political parties and their supporters continue to put up illegal hoardings, risking lives of people. 

In 2017, the high court had issued an order to ban all kinds of banners, hoardings and advertisements on major signals across Tamil Nadu. The decision was given following a Public Interest Litigation filed by a social activist seeking action against people who erect hoardings during celebrations in the city. The high court then stated that these hoardings pose inconveniences for the common man and can cause accidents on roads. 

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