Meerut, July 1 -- A fatal lapse in safety protocol during an anti-encroachment drive by the Meerut Development Authority (MEDA) cost one life and left three others critically injured on Monday. The incident occurred around noon in Samar Garden, under Lisadi Gate police station limits, when a crane involved in removing illegal encroachments accidentally touched a high-tension power line.

The 11kV electric line passed over the unauthorized colony in the Madina Phase-2 area. The MEDA team had arrived with a crane and JCB machine to clear illegally unauthorized constructions. However, they proceeded without informing the electricity department or securing a power shutdown.

As the operation was underway, the crane came in contact with the hi...