Siliguri: A 36-year-old civic volunteer died under mysterious circumstances during a training programme at the Dabgram 12th Battalion camp in Phulbari on Monday. Pankaj Barman, posted at Mathabhanga police station in Cooch Behar, was found unresponsive in the barracks.The death triggered protests among the 750 trainee civic volunteers from north Bengal districts, who alleged that severe work pressure, inadequate pay despite a Rs 1,000 salary hike, and fear of suspension or transfer caused extreme mental distress.Trainees refused to allow the body to be moved and blocked police attempts to shift it in a vehicle. After two hours and prolonged protests, the body was taken to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared Barman dead. It was sent for post-mortem.Police said trainees had dinner Sunday night and slept as usual. When Barman did not respond Monday morning, authorities were informed.Prabir Gop, a civic volunteer, said, “Our salary has been increased by only Rs 1,000. How can a family survive on Rs 11,000 a month? If we protest, we are transferred or suspended. We already lost many colleagues due to this mental pressure, and now we lost another.”Alok Roy, another civic volunteer, said the mental pressure was unbearable and he took a Rs 1,000 loan to attend the training. “We are the backbone of police stations—we do most of the work. If we raise our voice, we are threatened. Rs 810 was deducted for food and accommodation. I don’t know how we will manage,” Roy said.DCP Rakesh Singh said an unnatural death case was registered. “Investigation has been initiated to trace the sequence of events. Police will extend all necessary assistance to family members of the deceased as per law.”
