Kin of 5 workers killed in Panna soil cave-in refuse to do last rites; block road demanding FIR, enhanced compensation

Bhopal/Panna: Following the tragic soil cave-in accident in Panna, the outrage among the affected families continues to mount as they refused to conduct the last rites of the deceased and sought higher compensation and an FIR against the people responsible for the mishap.

The incident occurred in Nayapurwa, a hamlet falling under the Biharpurwa Gram Panchayat within the jurisdiction of the Ajaygarh police station.

On Tuesday, five labourers lost their lives when the soil caved in during the excavation of a community well under the MGNREGA scheme.

While an atmosphere of mourning pervades the entire region following this event, the grief is now being accompanied by palpable anger among the people.

Though Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced an immediate ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, they refused to perform the last rites.

They assert that the funerals will not be carried out until an FIR is registered against those responsible for the accident and adequate compensation is provided to the families of the victims.

Accusing the administration of negligence, the relatives argue that the lives of five individuals were lost due to a blatant disregard for safety protocols.

On Wednesday, the irate relatives and villagers took to the streets, staging a protest by blocking traffic on the road.

During the demonstration, slogans were raised vociferously against both the local administration and the government.

The road blockade disrupted traffic in the area and created a tense atmosphere at the scene. A large contingent of police personnel and administrative officials remained present at the spot.

The relatives of the deceased have categorically refused to perform the final rites. They assert that the last rites will not be carried out until an FIR is registered against those responsible for the accident and adequate compensation is provided to the families of the victims.

Accusing the administration of negligence, the relatives argue that the lives of five individuals were lost due to a blatant disregard for safety protocols.

On Wednesday, the irate relatives and villagers took to the streets, staging a protest by blocking traffic on the road. During the demonstration, slogans were raised vociferously against both the local administration and the government.

The road blockade disrupted traffic in the area and created a tense atmosphere at the scene. A large contingent of police personnel and administrative officials remained present on the spot.

The villagers point out that the deceased individuals were the primary breadwinners who supported their households through manual labour.

Following this tragedy, their families have been left completely shattered. Under these circumstances, they argue, merely providing standard financial assistance will not suffice. The protesters have demanded increased compensation for every family, a government job for one family member, and an impartial enquiry into the entire incident, followed by strict action against the culprits.

Following the incident, IG Mithilesh Shukla, Panna Collector Usha Parmar, and SP Nivedita Naidu arrived at the scene.

The officials met with the bereaved families, attempted to pacify them, and assured them of every possible assistance.

Despite this, the villagers and family members remain firm on their demands and are unwilling to back down until action is taken.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday evening had posted on his X handle that the news regarding the death of the labourers caused by the collapse of a well under construction in Nayapurwa is deeply heartbreaking.

“My condolences go out to the bereaved families. Instructions have been issued to provide financial assistance of ₹4 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the State Government,” he said in the post.

IANS