Man working with MES dies at army camp in Rajouri, family stages protest

Rajouri, April 16: People in Rajouri blocked the Jammu-Rajouri National Highway on Tuesday after a man working with Military Engineering Services (MES) died of electrocution inside an army camp.

The protesting people including the deceased's family and the local residents demanded adequate investigation and financial assistance.

The deceased was identified as Amrit Singh, 32, son of Darshan Singh, a resident of Raipur Kamila. He was working with the MES as a contractor and was presently working at an army camp in Talian area of Nowshera in Rajouri district.

The protesters said that the deceased was asked to work on electricity transmission lines following which electricity was restored without any prior communication, resulting in his death.

"We want proper investigation into the matter to ascertain the negligence that led to his death," demanded protesters.

They further said that the deceased was lone bread earner of family comprising his parents, wife and two children including a month-old daughter.

The protesters demanded that an ex-gratia for the deceased's family so they can survive.

Soon after this protest, a team of police headed by SDPO Nowshera Jaswant Singh and Tehsildar Nowshera besides other officials rushed to the spot and held talks with family members and locals who had blocked the highway.

The protesters however demanded arrival of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri and to assure them that the demands will be met. After which Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Parkash Bhagat reached the site and discussed the matter with protesting people.

He assured them that all their demands will be addressed on priority.

He said that immediate financial aid under Red Cross will be given to family while steps for ex-gratia will also be taken.

Deputy Commissioner further said that the matter and demands by the family will be discussed with army authorities and all required steps will be taken to support the family as per ambit of law.

After assurance by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Nowshera, Additional SP Nowshera and SDPO Nowshera, the protest was called off by people and the movement of vehicles on highway was restored after four hours.