A tragic road accident occurred near Karodahuli in Bonai block of Sundargarh district, when a pickup van carrying over 35 laborers overturned while returning from a forest-based NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) worksite.
The incident took place around 8 AM as the vehicle lost balance and flipped near Kelo Square.
The laborers, including both men and women, were returning from Telidihi forest area where they had been engaged in NREGA work. According to reports, the work involved only photo documentation rather than actual labor, raising concerns about the legitimacy and safety of such operations.
Local resident Panchami Patra (71) tragically lost her life in the accident, while 17 others sustained serious injuries. Nine of the injured are being treated at Bonai Hospital, and the rest have been shifted to Rourkela for advanced care.
Villagers have expressed outrage over the lack of response from forest department officials, who were reportedly aware of the incident but failed to appear at the hospital or the accident site. Tensions escalated as locals blocked the road and demanded compensation, bringing Panchami Patra’s body to the Forest Department office.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the working conditions under NREGA in forest areas, with allegations of low wages and superficial documentation practices.
