A 55-year-old manager with Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) gas agency in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, died on Sunday evening shortly after returning home from work.
Conflicting claims over cause of death
Colleagues of the deceased, identified as Dayal Singh Rawat, alleged that he may have consumed a poisonous substance due to mounting work pressure. They claimed he had recently expressed distress over increasing workload and pressure from both consumers and authorities.
However, family members have denied these claims, stating that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the postmortem report is released.
Sudden deterioration after returning home
According to family sources, Rawat appeared normal when he returned home and had even visited a hospital to assist a relative. Shortly after returning, he complained of discomfort and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Police officials confirmed that the body has been handed over to the family following postmortem, with the report awaited.
Workers stage protest
Following the incident, some KMVN workers went on strike on Monday, disrupting cooking gas distribution in parts of the Kumaon region. Colleagues highlighted the pressure faced by gas agency staff amid challenging supply conditions.
Probe underway
Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav stated that an investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding Rawat’s death. Officials emphasised that conclusions will be drawn only after medical findings are available.
Concerns over workplace stress
While the exact cause remains unclear, the incident has drawn attention to the pressures faced by frontline service workers, particularly in essential supply sectors.
Authorities have assured a thorough probe to establish the facts.