Udupi DC office staffer dies of electric shock while plucking mangoes
Udupi: A village assistant working at the Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office died after suffering an electric shock while plucking mangoes from a tree inside the office premises on Thursday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Sadananda Devadiga (54), a resident of Alevuru village.
According to police, Sadananda, who was serving as a Group D employee at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, had climbed a mango tree located inside the rear compound of the DC office to pluck fruits.
While attempting to remove mangoes using an iron hook, the hook is said to have come in contact with a high-tension power line passing above the tree.
Due to the electric shock, he reportedly fell onto a branch of the mango tree along with the iron hook.
He was immediately shifted to Ajjarkad Hospital for treatment, but doctors were unable to save him, police said.
Fire and emergency services personnel reached the spot and assisted in removing the body. Social worker Nityananda Olakadu also extended assistance.
A case has been registered at Manipal Police Station.
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
