Daijiworld Media Network – Dehradun
Dehradun, Jul 17: A 65-year-old Congress worker died after suffering severe head injuries when an iron rod fell from a temporary tent structure set up for party leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled event at Bannu School grounds in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Thursday evening.
The deceased, identified as Congress leader Amar Mehta, was inspecting the arrangements for the upcoming ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme when the accident occurred. According to Congress state vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana, an iron rod from the temporary structure suddenly fell on Mehta, causing critical injuries.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital in a serious condition, but doctors declared him dead while undergoing treatment.
Congress spokesperson Dr Pratima Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved family and described the incident as unfortunate and tragic. She said the party stands with the family during this difficult time.
“The accident involving one of our dedicated party workers is extremely painful. He was immediately taken to the hospital, and doctors made every effort to save him, but unfortunately, he could not survive,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dehradun police have begun an investigation to determine whether proper safety measures were followed during the construction of the stage and tent arrangements.
The event preparations had already faced difficulties after permission to hold the programme at Parade Ground was withdrawn due to an ongoing issue at the venue. Organisers later shifted the event to Bannu School grounds.
Workers were setting up waterproof tents ahead of the programme due to the possibility of rain when the accident took place. Authorities are examining whether safety protocols were properly followed during the installation of the temporary structures.
The ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme, organised by the Congress, is scheduled to be addressed by Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to interact directly with students and discuss issues including examination-related concerns and alleged NEET paper leaks.