Truck ferrying ore crushed G’chiroli driver, suspect cops

Nagpur: Mystery over the death of a 31-year-old truck driver, Nikesh Chokhare, near Maddigudam iron ore stock yard near Yelchil village in Aheri taluka in south Gadchiroli on Monday continues as the investigators are yet to identify the vehicle involved in the suspected hit-and-run case.
Chokhare, a native of Chamorshi, was employed as driver with a mining company engaged in Surjagarh project. Chokhare had gone to the company office to extend leave and was returning home to get his pregnant wife admitted to a hospital, when he was crushed under the wheels of a heavy vehicle. His skull was crushed leading to death on the spot.
Sub-divisional police officer, Aheri division, Amol Thakur said the investigation team is trying to find out the vehicle. “There is suspicion about the involvement of mining company truck or private transporter carrying iron ore to elsewhere in Maharashtra,” said the SDPO. Prima facie it is clear that the vehicle involved was a heavy vehicle, said Thakur.
In view of the rising graph of road accidents in south Gadchiroli following increased ore transportation from Surjagarh, the district administration is trying to expedite the proposed exclusive mining corridor project, endorsed by deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
“The deputy CM is keen to see a dedicated mining corridor created and hence the issue was taken up during district planning and development council (DPDC) meeting,” said an official source.
Around a couple of months ago, a woman was crushed to death under the wheels of a truck engaged in transporting ore and mining activities. An irate mob had then set on fire nine trucks of the mining company.
In yet another incident, a driver of a truck engaged in mining work was killed after hit by another vehicle coming from Surjagarh hills.
A woman was allegedly raped by a trucker, who had come to Etapalli taluka to engage in mining activities.
Pointing out at the increasing pollution and inconvenience to residents because of heavy flow of vehicles ferrying iron ore, anti-graft activist Anna Hazare’s group has been opposing plying of trucks violating norms.