Srinagar, Aug. 19 -- The air was crisp, water smooth, and for a few hours, life seemed ordinary.

The boys gathered firewood, joked, and watched the mist roll off the lake. Then Muneeb's hand brushed against a steel pole at the edge of the clearing.

One moment he was laughing. And the next, he collapsed.

His friends tried CPR. Someone ran for an ambulance. By the time help arrived, it was too late.

The post-mortem confirmed electrocution. PDD officials initially claimed the pole carried no current. But neighbours knew the truth.

"We warned the department many times," said one, her voice trembling. "Nothing was done until a young life was lost."

In his hometown of Budgam, Muneeb's death adds to a growing list of similar tragedies.

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