After a municipal worker Avakka’s fatal accident, police arrested the fleeing tipper driver, and authorities promised compensation, while leaders expressed sorrow over civic workers’ risks
Belagavi
A 50-year-old woman civic worker, Avakka Kolkara, tragically died early Saturday morning after being hit by a speeding lorry while performing her cleaning duties on Khanapura Road. The incident shocked her colleagues and triggered protests from fellow municipal workers demanding justice.
According to municipal officials, the tipper driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. Police quickly pursued and arrested him under the jurisdiction of the South Traffic Police Station. Municipal Corporation Environmental Engineer Hanumant Kaladagi confirmed that Avakka was rushed to the hospital by colleagues and local residents, but she succumbed to her injuries before receiving treatment.
Avakka was a permanent city employee who had been diligently performing her duties for years. The municipal authorities assured that compensation would be provided to her family, including Rs. 7,000 for funeral expenses. Former Mayor Mangesh Pawar and former Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi visited the accident site and expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the risks faced by civic workers during their early morning duties.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about traffic safety and the protection of municipal staff. Colleagues and locals urged authorities to enforce stricter safety measures for road workers and to hold negligent drivers accountable. The city administration has promised to take necessary action and inform the municipal commissioner for further follow-up.
Residents and fellow employees remembered Avakka as a dedicated worker whose untimely death underscores the vulnerability of frontline civic staff and the urgent need for road safety awareness.
