Khordha: A migrant worker from Surat in Gujarat died on board Puri-Okha Express train while he was on his way to his native place in Odisha.
The deceased, identified as Bhagairathi Gouda of Mirigilendi village under Beguniapada block in Ganjam district, had boarded the Puri-Okha Express two days ago following Covid-19 restrictions in Gujarat. He was accompanied by his wife and son to home.
Gouda reportedly died inside the moving train near Visakhapatnam following breathlessness. He had recently recovered from fever and cough after treatment in Surat, his son said.
“My father had no other disease but was down with fever and cough related ailment some days ago. I had consulted the doctor and made various health check-ups and examinations as per doctor’s advice. He had also recovered after treatment,” son of the deceased said.
He (Gouda) died in the train at a local passenger halt near Berhampur. “I requested everyone at Berhampur station with folded hands for help, but no one came to my rescue there,” he said.
The body was brought out from the compartment at Balugaon station in Khordha district. The General Railway Police (GRP) seized the body and sent it to Khordha district headquarters hospital for post-mortem.
The GRP registered a case and launched an investigation into the death of the migrant worker.
It may be noted that large number of Odia residents migrated to Surat for job are now heading back to home following lockdown/shutdown, curfew and closure of commercial establishments in Gujarat due to increase in Covid-19 cases.