Worker's death sparks protest in Andhra's upcoming capital

The death of a worker during the construction of Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati on Tuesday triggered violent protests by other workers.

Devender (22) from Uttar Pradesh was crushed to death while cleaning a concrete milling machine near Velagapudi in Guntur district where the state secretariat building is being built.

The police immediately shifted the body to the government hospital in Guntur, evoking strong protests from other workers, who wanted to know why were they not allowed to see the body.

The workers ransacked the office and security post of L&T company, which is building the complex and set fire to a four-wheeler and three two-wheelers.

The workers also pelted stones on policemen while the police used batons to disperse them.

The protest forced authorities to bring back Devender's body to the construction site.

The government and L&T management agreed to pay Rs.20 lakh as compensation to the worker's family.

The workers were angry as the authorities had not paid compensation to the family of a labourer who died similarly a few days ago.

Deputy Chief Minister N. Chinnarajappa termed the incident unfortunate and said all steps would be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Municipal Administration Minister K. Narayana ordered an inquiry into the death.

--IANS

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