Sharmili Mallick

Keonjhar: Palpable tension prevailed in front of Hatadihi block office in Keonjhar district on Wednesday night after the family members of an anganwadi worker who died in a road mishap, staged demonstration outside the block office demanding adequate compensation.

According to reports, Kiranbala, an anganwadi worker of Kusatikiri village under Hatadihi block in the district fell from a bike which she was riding on along with her co-worker yesterday and sustained grievous injuries on her head. Though Kiranbala was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, she died while undergoing treatment yesterday evening.

The incident triggered tension in the village following which her family members along with some of her co-workers placed her body in front of the Hatadihi block office demanding job for a family member of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh compensation.

The agitators alleged that although the anganwadi workers are on strike across the State, Kiranbala was engaged in her duty.

Later, Anandpur Sub Collector, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and Medical Superintendent rushed to the spot and held talks with Kiranbala’s family and colleagues. But, they refused to withdraw the agitation until their demands are met.

Till the last reports came in, the agitators were on strike. Further details awaited.

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