Uttarakhand: Poclain Operator Fatally Attacks Photographer After Dispute Over Night Work

A photographer lost his life after a Poclain operator struck him with the machine's arm in Satpuli, Uttarakhand's Pauri district, as reported by police on Sunday. The incident occurred when Suman Devrani, 31, returning from a wedding, confronted the operator about late-night work causing traffic issues.

Devrani, a resident of Pauri district, was travelling back to Satpuli with friends Rajneesh Juyal and another individual after photographing a wedding. Upon encountering a traffic jam due to ongoing roadwork, Devrani exited the car to request the operator to halt nighttime operations. A minor argument ensued, leading to the operator attacking Devrani with the machine's arm, resulting in fatal head injuries.

Police Investigation and Public Reaction

The police received information about the incident from Juyal. However, both Juyal and the other companion vanished mysteriously from the scene. Authorities arrived promptly, taking custody of Devrani's body and transferring it to Kotdwar Base Hospital. Meanwhile, Devrani's family demanded the arrest of the fleeing Poclain operator and sought answers regarding the youths present during the incident.

Local Congress workers supported Devrani's family by blocking National Highway 534 for an hour. The protest highlighted public discontent over the incident and called for swift action against those responsible. The ongoing road widening work between Gumkhal and Satpuli on National Highway 534 was noted as a contributing factor to the late-night activity.

Family Concerns and Legal Actions

Rekha Devi, Devrani's mother, questioned why Juyal took her son to Satpuli when he intended to return home. She also raised concerns about who switched off her son's mobile phone after the incident. These unanswered questions have added to the family's distress.

Satpuli SHO Dinesh Kumar stated that a case has been filed against Praveen Singh, a resident of Jyotirmath in Chamoli district. Kumar assured that Singh would be apprehended soon and that Devrani's body would be returned to his family following a post-mortem examination.

The tragic event has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for justice for Devrani growing louder. The police continue their investigation into both Singh's whereabouts and the mysterious disappearance of Juyal and the other youth present at the scene.

With inputs from PTI