Villagers Block Road for Hours, Administration Assures Assistance
Chandan Mallah, an e-rickshaw driver from Dumka, succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident at RIMS hospital last night. The incident has sparked outrage among his family and villagers, leading to a four-hour blockade at Nagar Parishad Chowk.
DUMKA – The death of Chandan Mallah, an e-rickshaw driver who was injured in a road accident two days ago in Dumka, has triggered a wave of protests in the area. Mallah passed away last night at RIMS hospital, where he was referred due to his critical condition.
As soon as Mallah’s body arrived in Dumka today, his family and villagers expressed their anger by placing the body at Nagar Parishad Chowk and blocking the road for approximately four hours.
The protesters demanded immediate compensation of Rs 10 lakh in cash, a government job for one family member, and the inclusion of the family in the PM Awas Yojana and other government schemes.
Mallah, a resident of the Mortang area in Sadar block, was the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his mother, wife, and children.
The road accident occurred on Hijla Road in the Dumka Nagar Police Station area when a pickup van collided with Mallah’s e-rickshaw, injuring him, his mother, and his sister.
The blockade caused significant disruption to the busy traffic system in the area, resulting in long queues of vehicles.
Ravindra Baski, the head of Old Dumka Panchayat, who supported the deceased’s family, stated that their demands were justified, and the accident was caused by the negligence of the pickup van driver, who was allegedly drunk at the time of the incident.
Administration and police officials, including Dumka CO Amar Kumar and city police station in-charge Amit Lakra, reached the spot with police force to address the situation.
After prolonged negotiations, the CO assured the family that the administration would assist them in obtaining compensation and insurance under the hit-and-run scheme, along with connecting them to other government welfare programs.
The police have seized the pickup van involved in the accident, and strict action has been promised against the driver and owner.
