The family of a 19-year-old youth in Rourkela took a firm stand on Monday, refusing to allow the post-mortem examination of their deceased son. Their action is a direct demand for adequate compensation from the contractor for whom the young man was working when he tragically lost his life to electrocution.
A Tragic Incident at Brahmanmara Tungritola Basti
The fatal accident occurred on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Asish Mundari, a resident of Bisra. He, along with another worker named Arun Lohar, was engaged in installing a lamp post near the Brahmanmara Tungritola basti area. During the work, the pole fell onto a high-tension electric wire. Both individuals came into contact with the live 11,000 kV wire. While Asish Mundari succumbed to the electrocution, Arun Lohar sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Family's Stand and Police Investigation
Grieving and seeking justice, the family members of Asish Mundari arrived at the hospital on Monday but did not grant permission for the mandatory post-mortem procedure. Their primary condition is securing a fair compensation package from the contractor under whom the young victim was employed. This act of protest highlights the ongoing concerns regarding worker safety and accountability in such contractual jobs.
Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged at the Birmitrapur police station late on Sunday. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter. R P Nag, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Birmitrapur police station, confirmed that an unnatural death case has been registered and that the investigation is actively underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal accident.
Broader Implications and Calls for Safety
This unfortunate event in Rourkela brings to the forefront critical issues of workplace safety, especially for laborers involved in hazardous tasks like electrical installations. The family's demand for compensation before the post-mortem underscores the desperate need for assured financial security and legal recourse for families of victims of industrial or construction accidents. The outcome of the police investigation will be crucial in establishing liability and ensuring that such preventable tragedies are avoided in the future through stricter adherence to safety protocols.
