Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Aug 7: An Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) was placed under suspension as a road remained closed for the last ten days in Kotranka area, resulting in the death of a young girl (patient) due to delay in shifting and getting medical treatment in Rajouri district.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The tragic incident has been reported from the Mathyani area of Kotranka Sub-Division, where a 17-year-old girl allegedly lost her life after she could not receive timely medical treatment due to prolonged disruption of road connectivity in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Parveen Akhter (17), daughter of Abdul Aziz and a resident of Pinglar village. According to local residents, Parveen fell critically ill and efforts were made to shift her to a healthcare facility. However, they alleged that the damaged and blocked road at Mathyani prevented her from being shifted on time, resulting in the tragic loss of her life.
The incident sparked widespread grief and resentment among residents, who alleged that the road has remained blocked for nearly ten days without effective restoration of vehicular movement.
Locals, including Mohammad Nawaz, Abdul Rashid and Mukhtar Ahmed, claimed that despite repeated requests, permanent measures were not taken to restore road connectivity to the area.
Residents said that in remote and hilly areas, roads are not merely a means of transportation but a lifeline that ensures access to hospitals, schools, markets and other essential services. They questioned why alternative routes, ambulance services or emergency transportation arrangements were not made available during the prolonged disruption, particularly in view of possible medical emergencies.
The death of the teenager has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with villagers demanding immediate restoration of the road and long-term measures to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
They also urged the administration to provide dedicated ambulance and emergency response services in affected areas until normal road access is restored.
Taking serious note of the incident, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma placed the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), PMGSY, Aga Zahid Rehman under suspension, while the salary of the Executive Engineer (XEn), PMGSY, has been withheld pending the outcome of the inquiry. The Deputy Commissioner stated that responsibility would be fixed after completion of the inquiry and appropriate action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence.
