Baliguda, July 2 (UDN): A routine attempt to drive away monkeys turned fatal for a young hotel owner in Odisha’s Kandhamal district after he was electrocuted by an overhead high-voltage power line.

The deceased, identified as Manoj Kumar Panda, a resident of Baliguda, reportedly climbed onto the roof of his hotel on Wednesday after noticing a group of monkeys creating a disturbance on the premises.

According to preliminary reports, Panda accidentally came into contact with an overhead 11 kV electricity line passing above the building, resulting in a severe electric shock. He sustained critical injuries and collapsed on the rooftop.

Hotel staff and family members immediately rushed him to the Baliguda Sub-Divisional Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident sent shockwaves through the town, with relatives, friends and local residents gathering at the hospital to mourn the untimely demise of the young entrepreneur. His mortal remains were later taken in a funeral procession before the last rites were performed in the presence of family members and well-wishers.

The tragic accident has once again raised concerns over the safety risks posed by overhead high-voltage power lines running close to residential and commercial buildings. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further investigation is underway.