Farmer’s death sparks tension in Nayagarh

Nayagarh: Tension ran high at Sikharpur village in Nayagarh district today after locals blocked Khandapada road here demanding compensation to the family of a farmer who died due to electrocution.

According to reports, one Panu Bhatt was going to his farmland this morning when he came in contact with a hanging live electric wire leading to his death on the spot.

Irate over the incident, hundreds of villagers congregated on Khandapada road and staged demonstration by placing Panu’s body on the road disrupting vehicular movement on the route. The villagers also demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased.

The agitating locals alleged that despite repeated complaints regarding the partially uprooted electric pole and wires hanging from it, the electric department did not take any steps for its repair.

Protesting the dereliction in duties by the officials, the protestors also burnt tyres on the road to mark their agitation.

Meanwhile, Khandapara police and local Tehsildar have rushed to the spot to pacify the mob. However, no officials from electric department were available to comment on the issue.