Hazaribag: The death of a 31-year-old man in a coal transportation accident in Barkagaon triggered a 30-hour road blockade, which ended after the company agreed to compensate his family and construct a dedicated road for coal-laden vehicles.Jaipali Mahto was run over by an unidentified coal-laden heavy vehicle near gate no. 4 on the transportation route around 5 am on Friday. Following the accident, villagers blocked the road and demanded compensation and employment for his family members.The blockade was lifted after negotiations involving the district administration, NTPC officials, company representatives and villagers. The company agreed to provide financial assistance of Rs 8.5 lakh — Rs 8 lakh by cheque and Rs 50,000 in cash — and jobs to two members of Mahto’s family. The payment will be processed according to the company’s prescribed procedure.Barkagaon circle officer Manoj Kumar said the company had also agreed to construct a 15-ft-wide bituminous road from Chirudih to the main road at 13 Mile. The proposed road will provide a separate route for coal transportation and help reduce the risk of accidents on the existing road.Kumar said no FIR would be lodged against Mahto’s family members or the villagers over the blockade. If any case is registered, the company will take responsibility, he added.Mahto’s body was handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination.
