Bantwal: Brand new electrical grinder explodes; major tragedy thwarted

Bellevision Media Network

Bantwal, 14 Jul 2017: A brand new electrical grinder that was bought by a woman, living near Rayee, near here, a few days ago from a dealer at B C Road, here was exploded and charred by itself, being reported late.

 

A certain Sundari Sapalya, residing at Sitala, near Rayee, here bought a brand new grinder through her daughter-in-law Rekha Krishna from a dealer at B C Road, here, on July 4. It was exploded when it was stationary in the kitchen on July 8. Sundari Sapalya lives with joint family consisting 14 members who are engaged in farming. They have a huge grinding stone that served them for many years. Meanwhile, as the paddy farming began after the onset of monsoon, they bought an electrical grinder to help them in preparing meals from Priya Electronics, B C Road, here paying Rs 6,490. It was manufactured by Vijayalaxmi Home Appliances and has 5-year warranty.

 

 

They grinded rice in the same new grinder to make dosa on July 8 morning, disconnected the power supply, cleaned it and covered a cloth. A few members of family have gone to attend an auspicious occasion at their relative’s house in Mangaluru, while others were busy toiling in farms. Sixty-five-year-old Sundary and 2-year-old toddler Shreyas were at home, when they heard a blast in kitchen. Shreyas ran outside with fear, when Sundari rushed in the kitchen, the grinder was burning. The grinder was charred, the masala items that were placed in a plank nearby was scattered all over. Sundari poured bucketful of water over the burning grinder and managed to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, the neighbours Janardhan Shettigar and his wife Vani Shettigar rushed hearing the frantic call. There would have major mishap, because a LPG cylinder was also in the kitchen and 15 sacks of rice about 600 quintals was stored in the loft.

 

It was a sunny day, no rains, thunder and lightning and the plug of grinder was safely placed free from electrical socket on the day of blast. They tried to call the dealer to inform, but none responded.

 

The manufacturer has to rectify the defect in the grinder that may be with condenser, say a local electrical technician.