A former driver of Suzlon company attempted self-immolation in front of the Coimbatore Collector's office, demanding compensation for a work-related accident that resulted in the loss of his right leg.
Coimbatore: In a distressing incident, a man attempted to set himself on fire in front of the Coimbatore District Collector's office on Monday. The individual, identified as Nagaraj, a former driver at Suzlon company, took this extreme step to protest against the company's alleged failure to provide proper compensation for a work-related accident that resulted in the loss of his right leg.
According to reports, Nagaraj had been employed as a driver at Suzlon company. In 2018, he met with a tragic accident at his workplace when a granite stone fell on his right leg, causing severe injuries. The damage was so extensive that his right leg had to be amputated.
Nagaraj claims that despite the severity of his injury and the loss of livelihood, the company management has not provided any compensation to date. He stated that he had made multiple appeals and requests to the company, but all his efforts proved futile.
Frustrated by the lack of response and support from his former employers, Nagaraj decided to take this drastic step. He arrived at the Coimbatore District Collector's office and attempted to douse himself with kerosene, intending to set himself ablaze.
The timely intervention of bystanders and security personnel prevented the situation from escalating into a tragedy. The incident caused quite a stir at the Collectorate premises, drawing attention to the plight of workers who suffer injuries on the job and struggle to receive fair compensation.
Local authorities have taken note of the incident, and it is expected that they will look into Nagaraj's grievances. The case highlights the need for stricter implementation of worker safety norms and fair compensation policies in industrial settings.