A coal contract labour working in Kantaghar mine area of Central Coalfields Limited's (CCL) Kathara area died when he was run over by a dumper (JH-09T-5684) on Wednesday night. The incident triggered a protest by miners affiliated to various trade unions. Police sent the body of the victim for autopsy to Tenughat this morning even as local management handed over Cash of Rs 50,000 to wife of the deceased miner on the spot, said Inspector cum Officer- in-Charge, Umesh Kumar Thakur.

Project officer (Jarandih project) AK Jha, while confirming the tragedy, said Rauson Ghasi of Minus Quarter under Bermo block of Bokaro district died when he was run over by a dumper while on evening shift at 9:30 pm in Jarandih mine of the project on Wednesday night.

“We have handed over cash of Rs 50,000 to his relatives for his last rites and rest of Rs one lakh would be given his wife within two or three days. Moreover, the dependent of the deceased would be provided all benefits of the company entitled to a worker who loses his life while on duty,” he said.

While the coal workers went on strike in protest against the death of their colleague, coal production in the only mine located in the area stopped for several hours, said a CCL official of Jarandih area.

Wilson Francis and trade union leader Barun Singh alleged that accident occurred due to violation of safety rules framed by the company and Directorate of Mines Safety. Barun Singh said his union has written several letters to the local management to upgrade the safety system in the mines, but management did not take the matter seriously.

“Our union has lodged an FIR against the local agent of the mines with the Bokaro Thermal police station following the accident,” Francis said.