What to Do After Electrocution Death: 7 Steps, First 30 Days

Step 1: Day 1

Report the death and insist on a post-mortem

Inform the police so that an inquest is conducted under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 174 CrPC). The post-mortem report (PMR) should record electric shock as the cause of death. Without it, the utility can later dispute that the death was caused by electrocution at all.

Watch out: Families are sometimes persuaded to cremate without a post-mortem. This is the single most damaging mistake in these cases.

Step 2: Day 1 to 2

Photograph and record the scene

Take date-stamped photographs and video of the wire, pole, transformer, any missing guarding, and the surroundings. Note the names of eyewitnesses and of utility staff who arrived.

Watch out: Snapped conductors are often repaired or removed within hours. If the scene has been altered, record that too.

Step 3: Day 1 to 3

Get the police record

Obtain a copy of the FIR or DDR. Where negligence of utility staff is alleged, the FIR is usually registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 304A IPC). Keep the inquest papers as well.

Step 4: Week 1

Write to the utility

Send a written intimation of the death to the Executive Engineer or SDO of DHBVN, UHBVN or PSPCL, asking for compensation under the policy, action against the staff responsible, and a copy of the accident report. Keep the receiving stamp.

Watch out: Oral promises of a job or a large payment count for little. Ask for any assurance in writing.

Step 5: Weeks 1 to 2

Seek the Electrical Inspector’s report

Electrical accidents must be reported to the Electrical Inspector, who inquires into them under Section 161 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Apply for a copy of the inquiry report, using RTI if it is not given. This is usually the most important document in any later High Court petition.

Watch out: RTI replies take up to 30 days, so apply early.

Step 6: Weeks 2 to 3

Collect proof of age, income and heirs

Gather the death certificate, Aadhaar, birth or school records, bank statements, land and livestock records, a Panchayat or ward councillor’s certificate of income and occupation, and a family member or legal heir certificate.

Watch out: Make sure every legal heir is identified. Under Hindu law, the mother of an unmarried man is a Class I heir.

Step 7: Weeks 3 to 4

Respond to the utility’s file, carefully

Submit the documents the utility asks for, in writing. If it offers payment, accept it under protest if needed, but read every receipt and undertaking before signing.

Watch out: Check that each receipt states the correct amount. Errors in receipts are common and should be corrected in writing straight away.

Do

Keep originals at home; submit attested copies.

Get a receiving stamp or acknowledgment for every letter.

Write down dates, names and phone numbers of officials who visit.

Keep all receipts for funeral, medical and travel expenses.

Don’t

Don’t sign any “full and final settlement” or “no further claim” document.

Don’t hand over original certificates without a receipt.

Don’t rely on spoken assurances of a job or extra money.

Don’t wait months before seeking advice; limitation runs from the date of death.