Punjab Family's Plea: Help After Tragic Loss in Telangana Tunnel Collapse

The family of Gurpreet Singh, who died in a Telangana tunnel collapse, seeks compensation from the Punjab government. Gurpreet was the family's sole breadwinner, leaving behind a wife and two daughters. Calls for government support intensify as the village mourns the difficult loss.

The family of Gurpreet Singh, a Punjab worker who lost his life in the collapse of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel in Telangana, seeks compensation and aid from the Punjab government, having lost their sole breadwinner. His widow, responsible for two young daughters, demands a government job to support her family, expressing her concerns to ANI.

"My request from the government is that either my daughters or I should be given a government job so that I can take care of my children. I have two daughters, and there is no one else earning in our family," she said. Despite the tragedy, no representative from the Punjab government has extended condolences or support, leaving the family disheartened.

Gurpreet's uncle, Kulwant Singh, noted the absence of Punjab officials. "We had been assured by the company that Gurpreet was safe, but all our hopes were shattered yesterday. Although Telangana has promised to provide Rs 25 lakh, our own government hasn't reached out," he remarked to ANI, echoing the family's sense of abandonment.

Monu Cheema, the village sarpanch, highlighted the family's dire financial straits, urging Punjab to step in. "Gurpreet left two months ago in search of work. Since the incident, the village has been deeply disturbed, knowing he was their primary support. We're waiting for his body's arrival," said Cheema.

The Telangana government has announced Rs 25 lakh in assistance. Meanwhile, a statement from the Telangana CMO revealed condolences from CM Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy. The Kerala cadaver dog squad aided in rescue, uncovering human remains in the tunnel, while officials detailed the deceased's entrapment among the equipment.

Rescue efforts continue following the collapse of a three-meter tunnel section on February 22, just four days after construction resumed post-hiatus. Though several workers managed to flee, eight remained trapped in the site near Nagarkurnool district. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)