Garhwal Post Bureau
Pithoragarh, 23 Jul: As Uttarakhand prepares for the first phase of its panchayat elections scheduled for Thursday, tragedy struck in Pithoragarh district when a polling official lost his life while heading to a remote polling booth. It may be recalled that the polling teams are currently travelling to far-flung centres situated in mountainous terrain, often requiring several kilometres of arduous trekking under relentless rainfall.
Polling officer Manish Pant, aged 44 and posted as senior assistant at the Chief Medical Officer’s office, collapsed while climbing a four-kilometre steep stretch to reach the booth at Primary School Golfa in the Munsyari development block. Despite persistent heavy rain making roads perilous, 60 polling parties were dispatched to Munsyari yesterday to ensure polling as per the electoral schedule. While on his way to a remote polling booth, Pant developed sudden chest pain during the climb and died of a heart attack shortly after. His family currently resides in Pithoragarh although he hailed originally from Berinag. A rescue team was sent to retrieve his body, and a replacement officer was assigned to his booth. Attempts to fly his mortal remains to the district headquarters by helicopter were thwarted by bad weather, and the body is now being transported by road. Fellow employees have expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Meanwhile, in another mishap the same day, presiding officer Gaurav Kumar fractured his leg after slipping on a hazardous trail en route to Chami Bhainskot booth. He was rescued and taken to Nachni Health Centre, from where doctors referred him to the district hospital. A substitute officer has been deployed to continue polling duties at the affected booth.
Returning Officer Digambar Arya has confirmed both the death and the injury of polling personnel in the Munsyari block and assured that necessary arrangements have been put in place at the respective polling stations. The first phase of voting in Pithoragarh district to be held tomorrow, will cover the blocks of Dharchula, Munsyari, Didihat, and Kanalichhina.
