Road blockade aftermath: 17-hour Simaria-Tandwa blockade ends; Victim's family assured Rs 9 lakh compensation and stricter coal transport regulations

Chatra: The 17-hour jam on the Simaria–Tandwa road, triggered by the death of anganwadi sevika Chanchala Devi in an accident on Monday, was lifted late on Tuesday afternoon after assurance from the administration of govt benefits to her family, and compensation of Rs 9 lakh.Chanchala was on her way to the block office in an auto rickshaw when a coal-laden truck hit the vehicle, killing her on the spot in Tandwa block. Its driver fled the scene after the incident.Following the accident, villagers blocked the busy route, bringing coal transportation to a complete standstill. Hundreds of coal-laden trucks were stuck on both the sides of the road for several hours, creating a massive backlog and causing inconvenience to local commuters as well.Officials from the district administration and police held multiple rounds of talks with the protestors, who demanded compensation for the victim’s family and stricter regulation of coal vehicle movement, especially during night hours.After receiving written assurance that their demands would be taken up, that coal transport rules would be reviewed, and Rs 9 lakh compensation would be provided, villagers agreed to call off the blockade.Tandwa police station OC Anil Oraon said, “An inquiry into the accident is underway and further action will be taken based on the findings. Other than Rs 9 lakh by the company which owned the truck, we will also give Rs 1 lakh by taking contributions from locals. The company already paid Rs 3 lakh in cash to Chanchala's family and the rest was given through a cheque.”