Worker killed in OMFED plant mishap, labour leader demands compensation

Bhubaneswar, Mar 23:

A worker was killed in an accident in the OMFED milk processing plant here today. The accident happened while the worker was engaged in dismantling a defunct chimney of plant-II, police sources said.

The deceased was identified as Pandu Senapati (48), a contractual worker of Bargarh district employed in the plant.

According to Inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Chandrasekharpur police station Sarat Kumar Sahoo, the 50-feet high chimney accidentally fell on Senapati while he was trying to dismantle it with a gas cutter. He died on the spot. Later his body was taken to Capital Hospital for autopsy, the IIC added.

“We have registered a case in connection with the incident,” the IIC said.

The security personnel at the entrance gate did not allow any media persons to ascertain facts from the plant officials.

Tension prevailed in the plant premises for several hours following the mishap. Later the work inside the plant was stopped, police sources said.

Demand for compensation, job to Senapati’s family

Labour leader Souribandhu Kar has demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation to the family of the contract labourer who was killed in the accident while seeking the arrest of the factory manager as well as the contractor who had engaged him in the perilous job without proper safety equipment and training.

Kar also demanded a job for one of the family members of the deceased in OMFED. He said the law provides for supply of safety equipment like boots, safety belt and headgear to workers which is often not complied with.