Tragic Death in Howrah: Did a Water Project Cost a Young Worker His Life?
When Manoj was taken to the nearby hospital, the doctors had no choice but to declare him “brought dead.”
Aryan K 
Howrah (West Bengal) [India], June 25: It was supposed to be a usual workday for 32-year-old Manoj Das from Bihar. He was helping build a water pipeline in Mandalpara under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department's project. This work aimed to bring drinking water to every household in the area. But a sudden jolt of electricity turned the day into a tragedy. Manoj collapsed on the roadside during duty, shocking the locals.
A Shocking Accident in Mandalpara
As the work progressed near Shyampur gram panchayat, eyewitnesses say Manoj came in contact with something that might have been live electricity. There were no loud cries, just a sudden fall. People rushed to help, but the damage had already been done. When he was taken to the nearby hospital, the doctors had no choice but to declare him “brought dead.” The peaceful rural worksite turned into a scene of sorrow.
A Life Lost for a Larger Dream
Manoj had come from neighbouring Bihar to work in Bengal with the hope of earning a better living. Projects like these are seen as important by both the government and workers. This water supply plan, under the PHE, promises clean water to every home. It brings jobs, hope, and better health to many villages. But for Manoj, the dream he was building for others became the reason his own life was lost.
Police Start Probe and Post-Mortem
Local police reached the site soon after the news broke. Officers confirmed the identity of the deceased and took the body for a post-mortem. Investigations are now underway to check if there were any exposed wires or technical faults at the site. The team is also checking safety arrangements at such government project sites. Officials from PHE have promised to cooperate and ensure proper follow-up.
Need for Safety at Worksites
Incidents like this remind us how many workers risk their lives for development projects. Whether it’s laying pipelines or building roads, every life matters. Experts believe that all project sites must follow strict safety rules. Helmets, gloves, and regular checks can save lives. As Howrah continues to grow, it is important that people building it are not forgotten. Manoj’s family now waits for answers, and hopefully, justice.
