Family demands justice for 63-year-old security guard, claims negligence
Key Points:
- 63-year-old guard found injured on duty at Geeta Sales Corporation.
- Family initially demands ₹30 lakh compensation; settles for ₹3.5 lakh.
- Allegations of negligence over unpaid PF and ESIC contributions.
SARAIKELA – A tragic incident at Geeta Sales Corporation in Adityapur has sparked a protest after 63-year-old security guard Bhakti Pad Das was found injured on duty on December 3. Despite being rushed to MGM Hospital and later referred to RIMS, doctors declared him dead.
On Thursday, the family staged a protest outside the company’s gate, demanding ₹30 lakh in compensation. Police intervened, and after negotiations, a settlement of ₹3.5 lakh and ₹20,000 for post-funeral rituals was agreed upon.
Allegations of Negligence Surface
Family members alleged that the deceased was made to work 24-hour shifts without breaks, even at his advanced age. They revealed that the guard, originally from Mahuda Basti in Dhanbad, took the job due to financial hardships. “Despite 10 years of service, the company did not deduct PF or provide ESIC benefits,” the family claimed.
Suraj Tripathi of G-7 Security Services acknowledged the lapse, citing that the guard’s age made him ineligible for PF and ESIC. He added, “We acted promptly by transporting him to the hospital and informing the family, but he could not be saved.”
Company Agrees to Compensation
Ajay Bhau Sinka, representing the company management, stated that the settlement was reached in the absence of the owner. He clarified that management and the security agency worked together to meet the family’s demands. Initially, the family had insisted on ₹30 lakh but later agreed to the reduced amount.
Preliminary investigations suggest suspicious circumstances around the death. Police have urged the family to pursue the matter through legal channels if required.
