CEO Assam Nitin Khade mourns loss of lives during poll duty

* Announces ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to families of deceased

GUWAHATI: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Assam Nitin Khade has condoled the death of persons who have died during poll duty.

"The loss of lives may hardly be compensated. However, we all involved in the conduct of present Assembly election in Assam, stand unitedly with the bereaved families of the deceased. All the four families of the four deceased personnel will receive Rs. 15 lakh each as ex-gratia," said CEO Khade in a release.

He also stated that all the security personnel injured in the accident will receive cashless treatment and such ex-gratia compensation as may be awarded depending upon the nature of injuries. Family members of any other person who unfortunately loses life during the conduct of elections, in the aforementioned capacities will also be assisted with the same amount, he added.

Tulshi Khanikar, a resident of Moranhat and an Assistant Teacher of Hajua Bagisha LP School who was engaged as 2nd Polling Officer in P.S No.147 Salkathani Bagan LP School (West) in respect of 106-Sonari LAC, suffered from sudden illness while on election duty on March 27. He was admitted immediately to AMCH, Dibrugarh where he was declared brought dead.

On March 28, after completion of Phase-I Election, five buses carrying security force personnel including Home Guards left from Lakhimpur. One of the buses carrying one Havildar and 35 Home Guards personnel fell into a ditch at Dima-Hasao-Cachar border, causing serious injuries to some of them. In the mishap, the bus driver and one Home Guard personnel lost their lives.

Home Guard personnel Hem Kanta Gogoi and bus driver Papu Bhuyan, both from Lakhimpur district died in the accident.

In another incident, Hemanta Das (35), Home Guard, a resident of Akoia Village in Bajali District was admitted to Biswanath SDCH after Polling duty after he complained of uneasiness. Later, he was referred to GMCH. But, on the way to GMCH, his condition deteriorated and he was taken to Samaguri PHC, where he was declared brought dead.

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