Deogarh: Tension gripped Palsama village under Kundheigola police limits in Deogarh district on Monday after villagers staged a road blockade on the Ranchi-Vijayawada highway, protesting the death of a local man who allegedly consumed poison stored in a liquor bottle.
The deceased, identified as Birabar Sethi, was a temporary worker with the Kendu Leaf Wing of the Forest Department.
According to sources, weed killers and liquor bottles were kept together at the Kendu Leaf godown. After completing his shift, Sethi reportedly consumed poison, mistaking it for liquor, leading to his death.
Agitated over the incident, villagers placed the body on the road and blocked traffic, demanding Rs 20 lakh ex gratia and a government job for one member of the bereaved family. The protest caused disruption on the busy highway for several hours.
“He has left behind three young children, his wife, and his aged mother. He was the only earning member of the family. The department’s negligence led to this tragedy,” said Palsama Sarpanch Sushil Kumar.
Sethi fell critically ill after consuming the substance and was rushed to a local health center before being shifted successively to Chhendipada CHC, Angul DHH, and finally SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s brother has alleged foul play, claiming that Birabar may have been intentionally poisoned as part of a conspiracy.
Police from Kundheigola station reached the spot and are in talks with the protesters to restore normalcy.
