Train runs over factory worker, family alleges foul play

factory workerRudrapur: A 55-year-old factory worker, identified as Suresh Rathore, died after being hit by a train near Singh Colony on Monday morning. His family alleged workplace harassment.Rathore, employed as an operator at a unit in Pantnagar Industrial Area for past 18 years, had been on leave for four days due to complications arising from diabetes. According to his son, Indrajeet, who is also employed at the same unit, Rathore had gone to resume duty Monday, but was allegedly denied entry by the factory management.“My father was unwell and mentally distressed. When he went to join work, he was turned away from the gate. He returned home upset and later left again. What happened afterwards is deeply disturbing. It is possible he took this extreme step under mental stress,” Indrajeet alleged.The “accident” occurred around 10am when Rathore was struck by the Kathgodam-Delhi Sampark Kranti Express. Railway officials were alerted immediately, and the GRP arrived.Social worker Sushil Gaba along with grieving family members blamed the management for his death. “The family will not perform the last rites until the management apologises, provides compensation and offers a job to a family member,” Gaba said.The family has announced that the body will be placed outside the factory gate after the post-mortem on Tuesday as part of their protest. Meanwhile, factory officials were not available to comment.