News Broadcasting
Bangalore cable tragedy: CEIG report finds fault with Bescom
BANGALORE: As the search for a scapegoat for the Bangalore cable tragedy continues, Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) has found itself at the receiving end yet again. An inquiry report by the chief electrical inspector to the government (CEIG) has placed the blame squarely on Bescom.
The inquiry report of the CEIG primarily blames negligence on the part of Bescom for the tragedy that took seven-year-old city boy Anish’s life last week when he came in contact with a loosely hanging ‘Live’ wire on his way back from an errand. It says, “Bescom cannot shirk its responsibility of monitoring safety of cables. This is acute negligence. BCC was partially responsible for the incident and like most cases this pole too did not have a proper fuse or switch. There was a loose connection and the joint too was left open.”
The report holds Bescom responsible for looking into the safety aspect of the cable operators and MSOs’ cables, since they were paying the company. “If Bescom had checked the open joint and taped it, this accident would not have happened,” it says.
The investigation revealed the un-insulated part of the streetlight cable touched the messenger wire supporting the TV cable wires causing the accident.” The origin of the wire couldn’t be determined as it was cut in several places, hence the question remains unanswered whether it was a TV cable or internet cable wire. The police are still looking into the matter.
The first inquiry conducted by the Bescom had found both the company staff and the Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) responsible for the mishap.
Reacting to the inquiry report that put the blame on BCC, executive engineer east zone C Sivanna is quoted in media reports as saying, “It is no fault of BCC. The distribution box installed by the local cable network had come in contact with a live Bescom wire. And a wire had fallen down from its bearing and the boy unfortunately came in contact it. Streetlights are switched on only during the evenings. How can we be blamed when the street lights were off when the incident occurred?”
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
