Worker Dies on Site, Contractor Goes Underground

Bhubaneswar: In a shocking case of negligence, a 34-year-old skilled worker from West Bengal died after boiling mastic asphalt spilt on him during late-night work on the Pokhariput flyover. The incident, which occurred on April 9, has sparked outrage over the silence of the authorities and the absence of any compensation or arrest.

Tragic End on the Job

Mahidul Sheikh, a resident of Murshidabad, was transporting hot, liquefied mastic asphalt when the substance spilt on his body. The incident happened at night under poor lighting conditions. He was rushed to Capital Hospital and later shifted to a private facility, where he succumbed to burn injuries on April 19.

No Aid, No Action

Unlike the Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia announced in the Khannagar crane tragedy, no financial assistance has been declared in this Asphalt Mastic Death case. Mahidul’s widow, Anjana Khatoon (32), is left to fend for herself and her family without shelter or income.

Police File UD Case, Contractor Vanishes

Despite the severity of the incident, the Airfield Police Station has only registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case (FIR No. 9/25). This has raised questions over the intent of the investigation. The contractor responsible for the work has reportedly gone underground. All other laborers were quickly removed from the site, and work has been halted.

Minister’s Name Misused, Crores in Contracts

Sources allege the contractor frequently drops the name of a Works Department Minister to secure lucrative contracts across divisions. This has led to growing suspicion that political backing is shielding him from accountability.

Past Incidents Show Stark Contrast

In previous similar incidents, strict action was taken. The owner of Panda Infra was arrested after the Bomikhal flyover collapse. Dillip Khatoi, another contractor, was blacklisted following a fatal mishap at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. In contrast, the Asphalt Mastic Death has been virtually ignored.

Workers Unions Threaten Protest

Angered by the inaction, several worker unions have issued ultimatums. They have warned of street protests if compensation is not paid to Mahidul’s family and the contractor is not arrested.