Sambalpur: Anganwadi Worker and Another Killed in Bus Accident While Returning from Gram Sabha
Sambalpur: Sabita Nikhadia, an Anganwadi worker from Dumerapali village in Rengali block, Sambalpur district, was hit by a bus and killed, along with one other person. The accident occurred as they were returning from a Gram Sabha meeting commemorating Independence Day. The incident sparked protests, with the Paschim Odisha Anganwadi Karmi and Sahayika Sangh demanding compensation for Sabita Nikhadia’s family and holding a demonstration in front of the Sambalpur District Collector’s Office.
The Incident Details
On Independence Day, Sabita Nikhadia, an Anganwadi worker, hoisted the national flag at the Anganwadi center in Dumerapali village. Following the ceremony, she attended a Gram Sabha meeting in Jhanakarpali, summoned by the Panchayat Sarpanch and the Block Office. A bus collided with Sabita and her bike companion, Saroj Nayak, near Serasuanchhak, tragically killing them on the spot as they were returning from the meeting.
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The Aftermath and Protests
Following the accident, rescuers rushed both victims to Sadar Hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead. Officials later transferred the bodies to Burla Hospital for post-mortem examination. The Paschim Odisha Anganwadi Karmi and Sahayika Sangh expressed their grief over Sabita’s death and questioned why government officials summoned workers for official duties on a national holiday.
Prabhasini Padhi, the State General Secretary of the Anganwadi Karmachari Sangh, led the protest, which included District Secretary Pramila Singh, District Vice President Golapi Patel, Sanghamitra Pattnaik, Mini Panda, Jashobanti Behera, Jashobanti Banka, and Tulasi Bhoi. They demanded justice and compensation for Sabita’s family, as well as concerns about the government’s decision to include workers in official programs on a national holiday.
