Kin of two MGNREGA accident victims refuse to accept bodies

Following the death of four MGNREGA workers in a road accident near Sunam yesterday, several labour organisations today blocked Sunam-Patiala Road near Bishanpura village.

Though last rites of Chhota Singh and Gurdev Kaur were performed at Bishanpura village, the bodies of Harpal Singh and Jarnail Singh were still lying at the Sunam Civil Hospital.

The protesters refused to cremate the bodies of two workers and demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation and a government job for kin of each victim, besides debt waiver of bereaved families.

Members of the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, Mazdoor Mukti Morcha, Khet Mazdoor Union and MNREGA Mazdoor Front today held a meeting and gave a call to the villagers to reach the dharna site on Wednesday.

Baljit Namol, district head, Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, said they would hold talks only if Cabinet Minister Harpal Cheema or Aman Arora visit the dharna site and accept the demands of the protesters.

Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sartaj Singh Chahal said the truck driver had been arrested and the vehicle had also been impounded.

The SSP said a case had been registered against the truck driver under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the BNS.