A septuagenarian, Padala Kantamma (75), who was waiting in a queue for pension died suspiciously at Chittinagar in the city on Monday. The incident triggered protests in One Town area.
Locals said Kantamma, wife of late Polisu, succumbed to injuries caused in the stampede occurred in the queue while waiting for pension. But, the family members reportedly said the old woman suffered cardiac arrest.
The victim, native of Idgah Mahal Road, Chittinagar, was working as ayah (care taker) in a private school. She had four children and was staying with her younger daughter who is a mentally challenged.
On Monday, Kantamma came to the local bill collector’s office to collect slips for taking old age pension. About 600 pensioners were standing in the queue since 3 a.m. in severe cold, said the locals.
The pensioners tried to barge into the office leading to stampede and Kantamma fell down. She complained of chest pain and the neighbours shifted her to a private hospital where she was referred to Government General Hospital. She died at 7 a.m. while undergoing treatment.
Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) Project Director Himabindu, who visited the spot said the staff will disburse pension slips till evening. But, due to lack of awareness pensioners are waiting at the office since dawn.
