37-Year-Old Laborer from Pama Panchayat Dies of Electrocution During Paddy Planting; Others Injured
Saharsa/Pama: In a tragic turn of events, a 37-year-old laborer from Pama Panchayat in Saharsa district, who had traveled thousands of kilometers away from home in search of livelihood, died due to electrocution in Haryana. The deceased has been identified as Manoj Kamti. In the same accident, Manoj's brother and several other laborers were severely scorched and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The heart-wrenching news has plunged his native village in Pama Panchayat into deep mourning.
Details of the Incident
According to the information received, Manoj Kamti had been working as a laborer in an agricultural field in Haryana for some time. On Thursday, he had gone to the fields with his brother and other companions for paddy planting (transplanting). While working, due to a short-circuit in the electric wires or some unknown technical fault, all the laborers came into contact with the electric current flowing through the field's motor or power lines.
According to eyewitnesses, the electric shock was so intense that Manoj Kamti did not even get a chance to recover and died on the spot. Meanwhile, while attempting to save him, his brother and other co-workers were severely scorched. With the help of locals, all the injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where their condition remains critical.
A Mountain of Grief for the Family
Manoj Kamti was the sole breadwinner for his family. He is survived by his wife, elderly parents, and small children. The family's financial condition was already very weak, which had forced Manoj to leave his home and migrate to another state to make ends meet. As soon as the news of his death reached home, the family was devastated. The family members are inconsolable, and a pall of gloom has descended over the entire village.
The Pain of the Family: Manoj’s relatives stated, "He had gone away with dreams of building a house and providing a good education for his children, but he himself did not return. A mountain of sorrow has fallen upon us. We demand that the government provide appropriate compensation to the family of the deceased and extend all possible assistance for the treatment of the injured."
Serious Questions on Migration and Safety
This incident has once again highlighted the painful reality of the "labor migration" from Bihar:
Lack of Safety: The web of electrical equipment and unsafe wires in the fields during agricultural work invites major hazards. Were any safety standards followed there? This is a matter of investigation.
Compulsion of Livelihood: If there were sufficient employment opportunities within Bihar, hardworking people like Manoj would not have to risk their lives by traveling thousands of kilometers away.
Administrative Apathy: Often, there is no one to look into such incidents involving migrant laborers from Bihar working in other states.
Local Reaction and Demand for Help
Representatives of Pama Panchayat and villagers have demanded that the District Administration provide government assistance to bring the mortal remains of the deceased back to the village. Furthermore, an appeal has been made to establish coordination with officials of the concerned state to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care in Haryana.
Awareness for Safety (For Laborers)
Electrical safety is of utmost importance for laborers working in fields:
Inspection of Wires: Before starting work, always inspect the electrical wires and motors in the field.
Gloves and Shoes: Wearing rubber gloves and shoes should be mandatory while working with electrical equipment or in wet soil.
Vigilance: Exercise extreme caution while working near electric poles or naked wires.
The death of Manoj Kamti is not just the loss of one family, but a mirror to the destiny of thousands of migrant laborers who put their lives on the line to earn for their families. Our deepest condolences are with Manoj's family. It is hoped that the government will take cognizance of the bereaved family in this difficult time and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
