Lineman's death sparks off protest

A 30-year-old man, who worked as lineman in power distribution company NESCO through an outsourcing agency, was electrocuted while on duty sparking off protest by locals and contract workers of the company.
The mishap took place last night when the deceased, identified as Satyabadi Samal of local Ereda village, was repairing a 33-KV line in the electricity structure at Santhan in Jajpur district, the police said today.
Samal sustained severe burns and died on the spot, they said.
When the death news spread, locals and contract workers of the power distribution company rushed out onto the Bari-Kuakhia road last night demanding immediate compensation for the victim's family. Vehicular movement on the route was disrupted for about 15 hours due to protest.

On being informed, local police, district officials, and senior NESCO officials rushed to the spot and held discussion with agitators.
The protesters lifted the road blockade this afternoon after district and the power distribution company officials assured them that compensation would be provided to the deceased family.