One dies, five hurt as under-construction well in Jharkhand's Hazaribag collapses

HAZARIBAG: A 30-year-old labourer died and five others sustained injuries when an under-construction well under the MGNREGA scheme in Ichak block of Hazaribag district collapsed on Monday. Villagers said many more could still be trapped under the debris.
The deceased was identified as Chandan Kumar Mehta (30) and those injured as Shambhu Mehta, Talo Mahto, Rajesh Mehta, Chandan Mehta, and Dilip Kumar Mehta.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Nancy Sahay said all the five trapped labourers have been rescued. "Out of the five, two were treated at the Ichak community health centre while the rest three were sent to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital at Hazaribag headquarters. All are out of danger and recovering," she added.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that many more bodies could be trapped inside. "The villagers and the relatives of the deceased were demanding payment of Rs 4 lakh compensation to the next of kin of the deceased. But the provision in case of death as specified under the MGNREGA rules allows compensation up to Rs 2 lakh. We are trying to pacify the agitators," the DC said.
The villagers alleged that the entire digging operation was done with a JCB machine by flouting the rules of MGNREGA. Agitation was on till the filing of this report.
The MGNREGA lokpal of Hazaribag, Tapeshwar Prasad, said, "I have taken cognizance of the complaint of the villagers and will inquire into the matter. Those found guilty will be punished."
The circle officer of Ichak block, Shatabdi Mazumder, said besides the Rs 2 lakh compensation, the administration is also mulling to provide widow pension to the deceased's wife and a house under the Ambedkar housing scheme besides other government benefits.