In the aftermath of the final phase of the Lok Sabha Elections in Uttar Pradesh, it has been reported that 33 poll personnel tragically lost their lives due to heat-related illnesses. Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa has instructed all district magistrates to submit a detailed report on the deaths that occurred within their jurisdictions. Additionally, the officials are required to provide autopsy reports for the deceased personnel.
The seventh phase of the general elections took place in 13 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, namely Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Robertsganj (SC). For this phase, the Election Commission deployed a total of 1,08,349 poll personnel.
According to reports, the poll personnel who lost their lives included home guards, sanitation workers, and other staff involved in the election process. Tragically, even a voter was reported to have passed away. CEO Rinwa revealed that the voter, Ram Badan Chauhan, died at a polling booth in the Sikandarpur area of the Ballia Lok Sabha constituency. Chauhan collapsed while standing at the booth and was immediately rushed to a nearby health center, where doctors pronounced him dead.
In response to these unfortunate incidents, the Election Commission has ordered that the next of kin of the deceased poll personnel receive compensation of Rs 15 lakh. This compensation aims to provide support to the families affected by the loss.
Additionally, in Lucknow, a member of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) who was stationed at the Ramabai Ambedkar ground to guard the electronic voting machines (EVMs) also passed away. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Upendra Agarwal confirmed the constable’s death. Agarwal mentioned that the site where the constable was stationed provided coolers and other facilities for the personnel on duty. The exact cause of death will be determined following an autopsy.
In response to the heatwave conditions in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting. During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged officials to maintain special vigilance in sensitive areas and ensure arrangements are in place to compensate victims within 24 hours. Adityanath emphasized the importance of special monitoring to prevent loss of human and animal life due to the heatwave. He directed officials to prepare and submit a weekly report to his office.
To ensure proper care and treatment, individuals have been urged to contact the department’s helpline number if they experience any symptoms related to the heatwave. This initiative aims to provide timely assistance to those in need.
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