Eight MGNREGA workers were killed on Sunday when a speeding car hit them while they were resting and drinking water along the Jakhal-Lehra road near Alisher village in Sangrur district, Punjab.
All the deceased were residents of Alisher village. Authorities said eight people had died in the accident, while 12 sustained injuries. Of the injured, three to four people who were seriously hurt were referred to Sangrur Civil Hospital.
Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said the district administration was taking all necessary steps in this regard. “The administration is committed to providing medical aid and extending every possible support to the victims and their families,” she said.
Also read | ‘Birthday vacation in Paris?’ Opposition questions Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s France trip
Sangrur Superintendent of Police Palwinder Cheema said an investigation into the incident was underway. Assuring strict action against the accused, he said a first information report (FIR) would be registered.
MGNREGA labourers are workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), an Indian government scheme that provides rural households with guaranteed wage employment.
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed grief over the incident in a post on X, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Lehra where 8 MGNREGA workers were mowed down by a speeding car, leaving several injured.
“This is heartbreaking. These are the poorest workers who toil hard to earn a living. I urge the administration to ensure immediate medical aid for the injured, sternest action against those responsible and adequate compensation for the families of the deceased.
“May the departed souls rest in peace.”