Transporter and traders associations in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani observed a strike on Wednesday to protest against the state government over the death of Kathgodam transporter Prakash Pandey.
The transporter had consumed poison and attended ‘Janta Darbar’ at the BJP headquarters on January 6. In a video shot before consuming aluminium phosphide commonly known as ‘Sulphas’, Pandey blamed GST and demonetisation for his financial downfall. Pandey collapsed at the BJP office and died three days later at a private hospital in Dehradun.
Chief minister TS Rawat announced Rs 12 lakh compensation and a contractual job with the government for the tragedy-hit family. But, the family was not placated by the gesture. Pandey’s brother-in-law Umesh Melkani told reporters that the family would not do the funeral unless a government job for a family member and higher compensation was announced.