Blockade after death

Representational image

TT, Jalpaiguri: Traffic came to a halt along the Gazoldoba road that connects the Dooars via the Teesta Barrage on Sunday after residents of Odlabari Tea Estate raised a road blockade for over three hours to protest the death of a worker.

The worker was returning home on a bicycle on Saturday evening when an unknown vehicle rammed him from behind, killing him on the spot.

The blockade was a cause of consternation among stakeholders of tourism industry, particularly because "Bhorer Alo," the mega tourism hub, is coming up in Gazoldoba, located next to the barrage and these days, several vehicles move along the route.

The workers and their family members - numbering about 500 - assembled near the garden around 1pm and blocked the Odlabari-Gazoldoba road.

They held a demonstration, demanding immediate compensation to family members of the deceased.

Around 4pm, that is after three hours, the blockade was withdrawn as the police managed to convince the protesters that all necessary steps would be taken by them.

"We are trying to trace the vehicle that had hit the worker. Situation is under control now and traffic has resumed," said a police officer.

The incident has left tourism stakeholders worried.

"Adequate traffic police should be posted along the road. This is because several tourist vehicles move to the Dooars along the route. Such accidents should not happen and simultaneously, blockades only add to tourists' inconvenience. The administration and police should see to it," said a tour operator based in Siliguri.