Jayapur: Tension prevailed in Barlahandi village in Koraput district on Sunday after the body of a 40-year-old Odia migrant worker, who died while working in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli area, was brought back to his village, with locals suspecting foul play and demanding an impartial inquiry.
The deceased identified as Premaraj Bisoi, had gone to Anakapalli in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh for civil construction work. He was reportedly staying in a rented house along with Nabin Mali of Ghatbaghra village and a young man from Jharkhand.
According to reports, Premaraj developed sudden vomiting and diarrhoea around 9.15 pm on Saturday after having dinner. However, it was not immediately clear whether he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He later died and his body was sent to Barlahandi by ambulance.
When the ambulance reached the village, local residents reportedly stopped it, questioning the circumstances in which Premaraj died and why his body was sent back without the cause of death being clearly established.
The incident has left Premaraj’s family devastated. His elder brother Surendra Bisoi is differently abled, and the family is now facing uncertainty over its livelihood following the death of its main earning member.
Villagers have demanded a proper investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances and cause of Premaraj’s death. They have also sought necessary government assistance and compensation for the bereaved family.
The ambulance carrying the body was reportedly stopped in the village until the circumstances surrounding the death are clarified. Further details are awaited.
