Post News Network
Jharsuguda, Dec 9: Tension ran high in Badheimunda Chhak here in the town Tuesday as a cyclist died Monday night after coming under the wheels of a truck. Locals blocked the NH 49 Tuesday for six hours,
demanding that the administration fulfill their several demands.
Additional district magistrate (ADM) Braja Gopal Acharya, additional SP Binod Bihari Patel and additional tehsildar Sacheta Puspa, who is the magistrate-in-charge, held a discussion with the agitators and promised to have a talk again in the next four days, following which the blockade was withdrawn.
Reports said, Gouranga Majhi (45) of Sajanipada was returning home when a speeding truck hit him on the highway. He sustained critical injuries on his hands, feet and abdomen. Majhi was first rushed to a nearby nursing home and later shifted to Burla-based VSS Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries late night.
After the death of Majhi’s death spread, residents of wards no-13, 14 and 15 assembled at Badheimunda Chhak Tuesday morning and staged a blockade. Councillor Raj Kumari Patnaik, social activist Tapan Mishra along with students and the teaching faculties of Jharsuguda Engineering School also joined the agitation.
Their demands included restriction of movement of thousands of coal-laden trucks via Badheimunda Chhak, setting up a traffic outpost on the accident spot, proper illumination of NH leading to the spot, Rs 20 lakh compensation for the bereaved family and Rs 10,000 from Red Cross society and another Rs10,000 for the cremation.
ADM Acharya said widow allowance and a cash assistance of Rs 20,000 under the national family welfare scheme would be given to the wife of the deceased.
