Hyderabad, Aug. 19 -- Telangana deputy chief minister and minister for energy Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Tuesday, August 19, ordered the removal of cable wires on electricity poles to be undertaken on a war footing following at least 8 deaths due to electrocution in the past two days during religious processions.

While conducting a review meeting with senior officials of the Energy Department at Dr B R Ambedkar Secretariat, Bhatti Vikramarka mentioned that several notices had already been issued to cable operators over the past year and that sufficient time was given, but the lack of response from them has caused a threat to public safety.

The deputy CM expressed anger, saying that there would be no further leniency and directed all off...