Baripada: Tension flared at Rasatala under Karanjia block in Mayurbhanj district Wednesday as two women labourers died after being buried under a mound of earth at the Deo irrigation project site. Two other labourers were left critical.
Irate locals and relatives of the deceased staged a road blockade demanding compensation for the bereaved families and treatment of the injured labourers.
The deceased women were identified as Champa Ho and Miru Ho while the injured labourers were identified as Jaba Soren and Mohanty Saya.
According to reports, the labourers were engaged in canal excavation of Deo irrigation project at Murgasahi in Karanjia Wednesday. While the digging was on, a chunk of earth came crashing down on them, trapping two of them under it. Champa and Maru died under the rubble while the fire brigade rescued Jaba and Mohanty in a critical condition and sent them to Karanjia hospital.
Police rushed to the spot and seized the bodies. Later, Karanjia MLA Bijay Nayak visited the spot.
In the evening, relatives from the bereaved families laid the bodies on the road at College Chhak and staged a blockade. They demanded immediate arrests of the contractor and Rs 20 lakh compensation.
Karanjia SDPO Binaykrishna Kamila and IIC NG Swain rushed to the spot and tried to convince the protesters.
Locals alleged the contractor engaged the labourers without putting in place any safety measures.
Later, a meeting was held between locals, block officials and the contracted firm.
Sub-collector Debesh Kumar Biswal said the firm has assured to provide Rs 2 lakh each to the bereaved families while Rs 10,000 will be provided from District Red Cross Fund. PNN
