Pokland Operator Kills Local Youth Over Minor Dispute During Highway Work in Pauri; Public Outrage Erupts

A horrifying incident has rocked the tranquil region of Pauri Garhwal, where a Pokland machine operator engaged in highway widening work allegedly murdered a local youth during a late-night altercation. The tragic event unfolded on NH-534 between Satpuli and Gumkhal, where road expansion is currently underway by Shri Kalyan Shivalik Infra.

The victim has been identified as Suman Devrani, a resident of Dadamandi village. According to local sources, the incident occurred when Suman requested the Pokland operator to halt the cutting work momentarily so he could safely cross the area during the night. What should have been a routine interaction escalated fatally—the operator, reportedly agitated, used the bucket of the Pokland machine to crush the youth, killing him on the spot.

Following the brutal act, the accused fled the scene, leaving behind a community in shock and fury. The police were informed immediately, and the body was taken into custody and sent for postmortem.

The incident sparked major public outrage. Enraged local residents gathered in large numbers and blocked the road outside Kotdwar hospital, demanding swift justice and immediate arrest of the culprit. Tensions ran high as people condemned not just the crime, but also the lack of adequate oversight and safety during such large-scale construction work in inhabited areas.

Authorities from the local police station and district administration are now investigating the matter. Efforts are on to trace and arrest the absconding Pokland operator, and further action will be taken based on the postmortem report and eyewitness testimonies.

This shocking episode raises serious concerns over the conduct and accountability of operators working under private infrastructure firms, especially on sensitive and narrow hill highways. It also sheds light on the urgent need for better regulation, communication protocols, and human safety measures at construction sites where local traffic continues alongside heavy machinery operations.

The family of the deceased, along with local leaders, are demanding strict legal action under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC, and assurance from the administration that such negligence will not be tolerated in future projects.

As Uttarakhand rapidly expands its road network, safeguarding the lives of those who live near or travel through these evolving stretches remains a pressing and now deeply personal concern for the people of Pauri