Grieving family members of quarry accident victims from Madhya Pradesh on Friday staged a protest outside the mortuary at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru, accusing the Karnataka government of 'playing with their plight'. The families demanded a written assurance that the bodies of their loved ones would be transported to their native villages without any financial burden on them.
Protest and Demands
The relatives, who have been waiting since the accident occurred, expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from authorities. 'We are being told one thing one moment and something else the next. They are playing with our emotions,' said a family member who wished to remain anonymous. The protesters held placards and shouted slogans, urging the government to fulfill its promises.
Government Response
According to officials from the Karnataka Revenue Department, the government has already made arrangements for the transportation of bodies. However, the families claim they have not received any written confirmation. 'We need a document that says the government will bear all costs. Verbal assurances are not enough,' another relative stated.
The quarry accident, which occurred earlier this week, claimed the lives of several workers from Madhya Pradesh. The incident has sparked outrage over safety conditions in quarries and the treatment of migrant laborers.
Impact and Next Steps
The protest highlights ongoing issues faced by migrant workers in Karnataka, including lack of safety measures and inadequate compensation. The families have vowed to continue their sit-in until they receive a written guarantee. District authorities have promised to address their concerns by Saturday.
