Bengaluru/Kendrapada: A 30-year-old migrant worker from Odisha’s Kendrapada district is battling for life in a Bengaluru hospital after losing both his legs in a train accident last week. His family has appealed for urgent government assistance to shift him back to Odisha for further treatment.
Worker slipped while boarding train
The victim, Arun Charan Chanda, hails from Bhitargada village under Rajnagar block in Kendrapada. He had moved to Bengaluru in 2023 in search of work and was employed as a plumber with a private construction company.
On the evening of August 20, Arun slipped while trying to board a local train at Hebbal railway station. He fell onto the tracks and came under the wheels, leading to the amputation of both legs.
“I had gone to Bengaluru for work and was earning my living as a plumber. On August 20 evening, I slipped while boarding a local train and lost both my legs. Now I am undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rajajinagar. My company and co-workers helped me initially, but I have no money to arrange an ambulance to return home to Odisha,” Arun said in a feeble voice from his hospital bed.
Family appeals for government help
His younger brother, Amar, who is attending to him in hospital, has appealed for immediate support. “My brother’s condition is serious. We need the Odisha government’s help to either airlift him to Bhubaneswar or arrange an ambulance from Bengaluru. Without this, we cannot continue his treatment,” he said.
Back home in Kendrapada, the accident has left the family shattered. Arun’s 62-year-old father, Ankur Charan Chanda, expressed deep anguish: “The accident has ruined my son’s life. He dreamt of earning money as a plumber in Bengaluru, but all those wishes collapsed after he lost his legs.”
Arun’s wife, Sabitri, said she was still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. “We were living a modest but happy life. I never imagined such a misfortune would strike us,” she said.
Authorities informed of the case
Local officials confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the district administration. Rajnagar tahasildar Jishukrishna Das said: “We have already informed higher authorities. The administration will soon extend necessary assistance to ensure Arun is shifted to Odisha for proper treatment.”
Call for urgent support
The incident has sparked fresh concern over the plight of migrant workers from Odisha employed in southern cities. With no financial resources, Arun’s family is relying entirely on government intervention to continue his treatment and bring him back home safely.