CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday ordered immediate release of Rs 50 lakh compensation to the family of a bus driver, who had died of a heart attack on his way to bring back devotees from Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra in 2020.
In April 2020, the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) had sent a fleet of 32 buses to bring back pilgrims stranded at Hazur Sahib because of the lockdown imposed in wake of Covid. A frontline corona warrior, Manjit Singh (38) was one of the drivers and died of a heart attack on the way near Indore. He hailed from Badbar village of Barnala district.
The previous Congress government had given Rs 10 lakh to the family of the victim, prompting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to launch a state-wide protest to demand higher compensation. Led by Bhagwant Mann, AAP had accused the then Congress government of apathy towards the Covid warriors.
A spokesperson said that AAP had now fulfilled its promise as the party leaders and volunteers had also held silent protests outside their homes in support of their demand for Rs 50 lakh compensation, sporting black bands and holding placards bearing the slogan "Main Bhi Manjit Singh Haan."
Mann shared his old picture holding the placard on twitter with the message. The tweet added that he had directed the state finance department to release the compensation.
