What happened in Renigunta
In the early hours of Tuesday, around 2 a.m., residents near Gurwaraju Pallli in Renigunta reported a startling scene: a Karnataka-based man had climbed a 220 kV high-tension transmission tower and was gripping the live wires. To reduce the risk of electrocution and to facilitate a safe intervention, the electricity department quickly cut power in the area. The tower, rising high above a rural field, became the focal point of a tense standoff as the man moved along the steel structure and appeared to be speaking on his phone, according to onlookers.
How the sequence unfolded
Witnesses described the man performing risky maneuvers atop the tower, balancing on components and clutching the live conductors. The sight sent fear through nearby villagers, who urged him to come down. Local authorities, including the police and fire services, coordinated with the electricity department to ensure the safety of everyone involved. With the power off, responders evaluated the best approach to bring him down without triggering a fault in the grid or causing a fatal fall.
The rescue and injuries
After several hours of cautious planning, rescuers deployed safety nets and a controlled lowering method to retrieve the climber. When he finally descended into the prepared net, he sustained serious injuries to the head. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where medical teams continued to monitor his condition. Investigators have begun gathering details to understand what drove him to take such a perilous risk so far from the ground, especially with the area’s power lines and infrastructure at stake.
The backstory: Tirumala darshan and a night of drinking
Officials identified the man as a resident of Karnataka, originating from the Chikkamagaluru district. Local police say he is a farmer who cultivates areca and has three sons. He had traveled with friends to Tirumala to seek darshan at the Tirumala Shree Venkateswara temple. After missing their return train on the journey back, the group reportedly consumed alcohol. The sequence of events that followed—leading to the climb on the high-voltage tower—remains the subject of ongoing inquiry by investigators who are examining phone records and talking to witnesses.
Officials’ statements and ongoing investigation
Renigunta District Police Superintendent Srinivas Rao noted that the incident was brought under control through a coordinated response by police, fire services, and electrical engineers. Power supply in the immediate vicinity was restored only after rescuers deemed the situation safe. Authorities are exploring whether intoxication, distress from the failed travel plan, or other factors contributed to the act. The overarching warning remains clear: tampering with live electrical infrastructure is extremely dangerous and can have deadly consequences for the individual and those nearby.
Why this matters: safety and accountability
Incidents of this nature underscore the immense risks associated with high-tension towers and the need for swift, well-organized emergency responses. They also highlight the importance of safer arrangements for pilgrims and travelers during peak periods, and the value of clear public warnings to prevent people from taking drastic actions in moments of confusion or stress. As authorities continue to investigate, they reiterate that the best outcome in such scenarios is restraint from attempting risky, illegal acts near live electrical infrastructure.
