Lucknow: A 25-year-old pump operator allegedly died of electrocution while on duty at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Sunday, triggering protests by co-workers and family members at the Trauma Centre.According to police, Rahul Gautam, a resident of Leela Kheda village in Dubagga was operating a pump during sewer tank cleaning when he got electrocuted despite claims that power supply had been switched off.He was taken to trauma centre, where he died during treatment. The body was sent for post-mortem.Rahul is survived by his wife Anshika Gautam and a two-month-old child.Following the incident, workers and relatives gathered at the trauma centre and shouted slogans, alleging negligence by the contractor company.They demanded strict action against those responsible and compensation for the family.Employees alleged that Rahul was made to work without adequate safety equipment or proper arrangements and said the accident could have been avoided if safety protocols had been followed.Rahul’s brother, Anushasit, alleged that he had been sent for work without a safety kit. The employer, Ganesh Singh, said Rahul was associated with the firm for nearly six years and was covered under PF, ESI (Employees’ State Insurance, a medical and social security scheme) and insurance.Police from Chowk reached the spot, pacified protesters and sent the body for postmortem after completing inquest proceedings. Police said the matter is under investigation, while KGMU has initiated an internal inquiry.The family and the employer reached an agreement after the company assured immediate financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh.KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said, “We have ensured that the deceased’s wife receives compensation. Notice has been issued to the company that if payment is not made by Monday, the security deposit will be forfeited, and the university will pay from that amount.”“We are also conducting an internal inquiry and will file an FIR if any lapses are found in safety precautions during the tank cleaning work,” he said.
