TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 19, 2024: In accordance with Election Commission guidelines and the Chhattisgarh State Compensation Rules, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 30 lakh has been approved for the family of CRPF constable Shri Devendra Kumar, who tragically lost his life while on election duty in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency. Additionally, CRPF Assistant Commandant Shri Manu HC, injured during the same electoral assignment, will receive an ex-gratia amount of Rs 15 lakh.
Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale affirmed that as per Election Commission guidelines, compensation is provided to officers, employees, and security personnel engaged in election duties in cases of injury or death. The approval for ex-gratia payments to the martyred and injured soldiers was processed promptly during the voting in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.
The incident occurred during polling at the Galgam polling station under Usoor police station area of Bijapur district. Constable Shri Devendra Kumar, part of CRPF’s D/196 Company deployed for outer cordon duty, was injured in an IED blast while conducting area domination outside the polling station. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries during transportation to Raipur via air ambulance.
Similarly, in another area domination operation in Chihka under the Bhairamgarh police station area, an IED blast injured CRPF Assistant Commandant Shri Manu HC from the E Company of the 62nd battalion. After receiving initial treatment, he was evacuated to Raipur for further medical care via air ambulance.
The approval of ex-gratia compensation underscores the government’s commitment to supporting and honoring those who sacrifice their safety while fulfilling their election duties. This measure aims to provide financial assistance and support to the families of the deceased and injured soldiers during this critical period of service.
