A distressing incident unfolded as a 49-year-old truck driver, en route to Punjab after learning about his son’s tragic passing, was apprehended by State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) authorities on GT Road. The unfortunate turn of events culminated in the driver’s demise within his vehicle that same night, reportedly due to the overwhelming shock he experienced.
Balbir Singh, hailing from Ludhiana’s Aslamganj, was returning from Kanpur with a load of goods from the Koyla Nagar region. It was during this journey that he received the heart-wrenching news of his son Mahesh’s accidental death, caused by electrocution.
As Balbir Singh made his way home to bid a final farewell to his son, he was intercepted by Joint Commissioners of GST SIB, Amit Mohan, and Parasnath Yadav, who were conducting a routine inspection near Geeta Nagar Metro station in Kanpur around 1:30 pm on a Friday afternoon.
Despite his earnest appeals, the officials declined Balbir Singh’s plea to return home and pay his respects to his son for the last time.
In an unwarranted turn of events, the officials forcibly transported Balbir Singh and his truck to the GST office in Lakhanpur. Tragically, Balbir Singh was discovered lifeless in his truck when the officers approached him to deliver a notice on Sunday afternoon.
Upon learning of his father’s untimely demise, Govind, Balbir Singh’s elder son, promptly journeyed from Ludhiana to Kanpur, accompanied by his brothers-in-law Sonu and Bharatram. After identifying his father’s body, Govind swiftly demanded action against the GST officers responsible.
“My younger brother, Mahesh, lost his life due to electrocution. Upon receiving this grievous news, my father rushed to Kanpur. However, the GST officers obstructed his journey, compelling him to their office. The profound sorrow and shock of being denied the opportunity to bid his own son a final farewell proved too overwhelming for him,” Govind expressed.
Additionally, Govind shared that he had refrained from informing his mother about Balbir Singh’s demise, fearing the tremendous shock of losing her husband and son in such a brief span of time.
“The insensitivity displayed by the GST officers has shattered our entire family. It is imperative that strict measures are taken against them,” he asserted.
Outrage Erupts, Protest Unfolds at GST Office
This tragic incident has ignited fury within the local business community, prompting them to organize a protest at the GST office. Gyanesh Mishra, the president of Akhil Bharatiya Vyapar Mandal, demanded immediate compensation for Balbir Singh’s grieving family and called for decisive action against the SGST officers accountable for this grievous outcome.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the involved GST officers, with a further investigation underway.