ITC Contract Worker Dies of Suspected Heart Attack, Family Seeks Compensation
A 37-year-old contract worker employed at the ITC PSPD factory in Sarapaka died after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday, prompting his family to stage a protest outside the factory demanding compensation and support from the company.
The deceased, identified as Varikooti Narasimha Rao, was a resident of Muthyalammapeta in Sarapaka, which falls under Burgampahad mandal. According to information shared by local residents, Narasimha Rao worked as a contract employee in the mechanical department of the ITC PSPD unit.
On the day of the incident, he reported for his regular general shift at the factory. During the lunch break, he reportedly punched out and left the premises. While travelling on his motorcycle, he developed severe chest pain and attempted to reach a nearby Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) for medical assistance.
Before he could receive treatment, Narasimha Rao collapsed. People in the area immediately arranged to shift him to a hospital in Bhadrachalam for emergency care. However, doctors declared that he had died due to a heart attack.
Narasimha Rao is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Family stages protest at factory gate
Following the news of his death, members of Narasimha Rao's family brought his body to the entrance of the ITC factory and staged a protest. They demanded that the company provide appropriate compensation and extend support to the bereaved family.
The family stated that Narasimha Rao had left for his scheduled work shift and argued that the company should ensure justice by providing financial assistance following his death.
The protest continued for nearly two hours before union leaders intervened. They held discussions with representatives of the ITC management and assured the family that efforts would be made to secure appropriate relief and justice for them.
Following the assurance from the union representatives, the family withdrew the protest.
Incident draws attention to contract workers' welfare
The incident has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by contract workers and the importance of timely assistance to employees' families in the event of medical emergencies or unexpected deaths. While the exact circumstances surrounding the medical emergency remain limited to the information provided by local residents, the family's demand for compensation became the central issue following the worker's death.
No statement from the company regarding the incident or the family's demands was available at the time of reporting.