Relatives block highway after construction worker dies of electrocution in Ujjain

Ujjain: Relatives of a construction worker, who had died of electrocution, blocked Indore–Kota highway in Ujjain on Saturday morning, alleging negligence by a contractor firm.The blockade, outside Charak Bhawan near district hospital, brought traffic on Agar Road to a standstill for nearly one hour during the postmortem examination of the deceased.The deceased, Rakesh Suryavanshi, 42, a resident of Khadotiya, was electrocuted on Friday when a cutter machine fell and he came in contact with open wires during Simhastha 2028 road-widening work.Rakesh's brother Rajesh alleged that the family was not informed about the incident in time, and that the body was placed in the postmortem examination room without their knowledge. Kotwali police assured the family of a fair investigation and persuaded them to lift the blockade.SDM LN Garg reached the spot and told the relatives that financial assistance would be provided to the family following an inquiry.Municipal Corporation additional commissioner Pawan Singh said financial assistance would be given to the family as per govt norms and on the basis of the contract with the contractor, adding that notices would be issued to contractors for violations of safety norms.