Mangaluru: CITU and DYFI have demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation for the family of Murugan, who died after a rusted streetlight pole fell on him while he was working at the old port in Mangaluru recently.CITU Dakshina Kannada district general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal pointed to the lack of basic facilities in the fishing port area, where transactions worth crores take place daily, and accused the fisheries department and district administration of negligence.“While working in the fishing dock area, Murugan from Tamil Nadu was killed on the spot when a rusty streetlight pole fell. Strict action should be taken against those responsible for this death, and justice should be ensured for Murugan, and compensation must be paid for his family,” he said, adding that CITU and DYFI had already held a protest soon after the incident.He said thousands of workers have contributed to the district’s economic activities for years, but lack protection and social security benefits. The fishing port has no restrooms, toilets or clean drinking water for female workers. Even a week after the incident, no officials visited the site, which he said showed a disregard for workers’ lives.DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz alleged neglect by the district administration, noting that Tamil Nadu workers contribute to Mangaluru. “The port area lacks safety measures for workers. Despite collecting substantial fees from vehicles entering the port for years, there is no proper parking, leading to daily traffic issues and time wasted in jams. The drainage system is inadequate, causing the area to be in poor condition,” he said. He demanded strict action against officials and contractors responsible for Murugan’s death.Imthiyaz said the district administration must announce Rs 25 lakh compensation to Murugan’s family within a week, warning of intensified protests if the demand is not met.
