Crippled accident victim exploited, 'deprived' of medical assistance

From a Correspondent

JORHAT, May 26: Moi Saikia (27) of Panichokuwa of Jorhat under Pulibor police station, a casual worker on monthly basis at M/s Sri Ram Hardware situated opposite the ISBT, met with a fatal accident on January 12 this year while on the way to deliver hardware items at Bhatemora.

The accident which was basically due to overload of the tempo, left Moi’s right hand crippled. Today Moi is running from door-to-door seeking fincial help to undergo an operation after help was rejected by Shyam Sundar Sharma, owner of the shop where Moi worked after initial admission into the JMCH on the day of the incident. The incident has been termed as yet another example of alleged exploitation and deprivation of Assamese youths by non-Assamese businessmen.

Talking to The Sentinel, Moi Saikia said, “I was working at Sri Ram Hardware for more than a year with a monthly salary of Rs 4,000. That fateful day, I was asked to deliver rolls of fencing at Bhatemora but instead of a commercial vehicle, the roll was loaded on a passenger tempo. The driver could not maintain balance and as a result the tempo met with the accident and I had to suffer serious injuries on my lips and my right hand after the tempo with the load fell on my right hand. The owner later admitted me in the JMCH promising all fincial help and requested me to not to file complaint with the police. Being a poor man, I agreed as I needed money for my operation which would then make me regain strength in the right hand. But I did not get the treatment as was required. As a result, I completely lost strength in my right hand.”

“After discharge I pleaded with the owner but he refused to listen and said that he did what was promised and threw me out of the shop. Now without work I cannot earn for my mother and myself and without the right hand I cannot work. In the meantime two doctors, Dr Bhaskar Bhagawati and Dr AK Baruah, both Orthopaedic specialists, have come forward voluntarily to help me and have agreed to conduct a free operation to rectify any past operatiol mistake. But my owner who first promised of all help, has filly showed his true colours. I have decided to file a case in the labour department of the Assam Government on an initiative taken by some noted jourlists of the print media in Jorhat who are guiding me through the legal process, besides helping in collecting some money for my pre and post operatiol charges,” added the victim.

Assistant Labour Commissioner Ishanu Shah said, “The matter was apprised to me by a jourlist yesterday and I have asked the person to contact the victim and inform him about his rights and file a petition in my office. Under provisions of the labour act, a case will be put up and if found guilty, the owner of the shop might be ordered to pay necessary compensation. The victim came to me today and seeing the appearance itself proves the authenticity of the case. But we will decide as per provisions of law.”