OHRC directs contractor to pay compensation to airport roof collapse victims

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today ordered Dilip Construction Ltd, the contractor engaged in construction of Link Building at the Biju Patnaik International Airport to pay interim compensation to the family of a labourer killed in a mishap.

Hearing a petition filed by Lalatendu Das, the rights commission directed Dilip Construction to provide Rs 2.5 lakh interim payout to the family of Antaryami Guru, who died after casting of a roof of the Link Building collapsed on the night of February 24. This apart, the OHRC asked the contractor to pay Rs 50,000 to another labourer Nabakishore Swain, who got injured in the accident.

The commission further said Dilip Construction must positively pay the compensation by February 11, 2020. In case, the contractor fails to provide the payout, the airport authorities shall make the payment and recover the said amount from the contractor, the order stated.

The OHRC also asked the complainant to implead the Airport authorities as a party in the case.

In his petition, Lalatendu had said that an FIR has been filed but no compensation has been paid till date.

The next date for hearing has been fixed February 11, 2020.