Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal/Panna
Bhopal/Panna, May 27: Anger and grief continue to intensify in Panna district after a tragic soil cave-in during a community well excavation under the MGNREGA scheme claimed the lives of five labourers in Nayapurwa village under the Biharpurwa Gram Panchayat in the Ajaygarh police station area.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has triggered widespread outrage among the victims’ families, who have refused to perform the last rites of the deceased. They are demanding a formal FIR against those responsible and enhanced compensation for the loss of lives.
The accident took place when soil suddenly caved in during excavation work on the community well, burying the labourers under debris. While the entire region remains in mourning, the atmosphere has also turned tense due to growing public anger over alleged negligence.
Despite Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased worker’s family, the bereaved relatives have rejected the offer, insisting that financial aid alone is insufficient.
The families allege serious lapses in safety measures and have accused the administration of negligence that led to the fatal collapse. They are demanding that a criminal case be registered and strict action be taken against those responsible for the incident.
On Wednesday, protesting villagers and relatives took to the streets and blocked a local road, raising slogans against the administration and the state government. The blockade caused significant disruption to traffic and created tension in the area, prompting a strong police presence.
Protesters reiterated that they would not proceed with the final rites until their demands are met, including higher compensation, a government job for one member of each affected family, and a transparent investigation into the incident.
Officials including Inspector General Mithilesh Shukla, Panna Collector Usha Parmar, and Superintendent of Police Nivedita Naidu visited the site and attempted to calm the agitating families. They assured them that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate assistance provided.
However, the families remain firm in their stand, continuing their protest and refusing to relent until concrete action is taken.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in a post on social media, expressed grief over the incident, calling it deeply distressing and confirming the announcement of financial assistance for the victims’ families. Despite this, the situation on the ground remains tense as demands for accountability continue to grow.