Kathmandu, May 18
Upesh Nepali never had the luxury of rest due to his family’s financial struggles. A daily wage labourer, he worked tirelessly to support his family.
A permanent resident of Gharibathan, Ishwarpur Municipality-12 in Sarlahi district, Upesh was in Dhulikhel for work. But he never made it back home—he died of electrocution while on duty.
The incident occurred on Saturday in front of the District Administration Office in Dhulikhel Municipality-7. He was working on an electric pole when he was fatally electrocuted.
His tragic death comes just days after his family home in Gharibathan lost its roof in a strong windstorm on May 14.
Upesh’s family, already struggling after the storm damage, is now devastated by his sudden death. The roof of their home, located near Gopi Chowk in Gharibathan, still lies stranded in a nearby field.
Shiva Khatri, Ward Chair of Ishwarpur-12, said he had asked Upesh’s wife Rashmila to come with a request letter for aid earlier that same morning. “Just as we were trying to seek relief support for the family affected by the storm, the tragic news of Upesh’s death arrived,” Khatri said. “His passing has worsened the already dire condition of the family, which was barely making ends meet.”
The village was planning to raise funds collectively to repair the damaged roof, but the news of Upesh’s death has left the entire community in shock, said neighbour Pradeep Khatri.
Upesh is survived by his elderly parents, wife, and two young children. Following the incident, his wife Rashmila has reached Dhulikhel. “His wife and relatives have arrived. The post-mortem will proceed after their formal complaint,” said Inspector Dinesh Bahadur Kunwar of the District Police Office, Dhulikhel.
Inspector Kunwar confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Upesh was reportedly electrocuted around 11 am while working on a high-tension line carrying 11,000 volts. He had climbed the pole to connect wires when the incident occurred.
The Electricity Authority is being accused of restoring the power line without prior notice while Upesh was still working. He was employed by a contractor hired by the authority.
—Kapil Koirala
