UKHRUL: In a tragic incident, four male workers from Lakhimpur district of Assam were found dead in a rented room at Hoskote, eastern Bengaluru, under mysterious circumstances.
As per a statement issued by North-East United Forum Bengaluru, the deceased were employed at a Coca-Cola warehouse and had been working through Excessive Warehouse for the past three months.
The deceased have been identified as Dhananjoy Taid (22), son of Bhula Taid; Nirendra Nath Taid (23), son of Joyram Taid; Doctor Taid (19), son of Taniram Taid; and Jayanta Chintey (23), son of Khayeshram Chintey.
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All four belonged to the Mising community of Assam, North-East United Forum Bengaluru stated.
According to preliminary post-mortem findings, medical authorities indicated the presence of high levels of carbon monoxide in all four bodies. It is suspected that the deaths may have occurred due to carbon monoxide inhalation in a closed room with insufficient ventilation. However, the actual cause of death can be confirmed only after the official post-mortem reports are released, it stated.
The North-East United Forum Bengaluru further stated that the Assam government is actively extending assistance to the bereaved families. The mortal remains were transported from Bengaluru to Assam on Sunday in accordance with airline protocols, it added.
Based on preliminary inputs gathered on the ground, residents in the vicinity reportedly stated that no external gas leakage was noticed. However, a vessel of rice was reportedly left cooking on a gas stove, which may have burned for an extended period, generating smoke and carbon monoxide inside the closed room.
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“It is suspected that the occupants may have fallen asleep without switching off the stove, leading to fatal suffocation. When discovered, two of the deceased were seated while two were lying on the floor,” North-East United Forum Bengaluru stated.
It was also reported that the individuals had consumed food earlier in the evening. “One of the deceased had a video call with his wife around 10 pm and appeared normal. The bodies were discovered around 10:30 pm by a fifth roommate who returned from duty. These observations are unverified and part of preliminary ground inputs only and should not be treated as conclusive,” it added, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
The North-East United Forum Bengaluru assured its commitment in ensuring a thorough, transparent and unbiased investigation.
“We are in constant coordination with the local police and investigating authorities and will share verified updates
as more information becomes officially available,” it stated, while extending its condolences to the bereaved families.