Kahalgaon, Jan. 30: Maheshmunda villagers today called off their agitation after National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Kahalgaon, authorities increased the financial relief to the kin of an accident victim to Rs 1.21 lakh from Rs 51,000.

Ibrar Ahmad, a 22-year-old youth, died in an accident on the plant premises on January 28. The residents of Maheshmunda, a rehabilitated village of Kahalgaon power project, went on the rampage yesterday alleging that he was ran over by an NTPC official. They uprooted rail tracks demanding more compensation.

The NTPC jacked up the relief amount today but dismissed the allegation that the youth was hit by an SUV of a senior NTPC official.

“We have increased the aid from Rs 51,000 to Rs 1.21 lakh and already handed over the amount to Md Aurangjeb, the father of the deceased, for conducting the last rites. The amount has not been given as compensation but to complete the rituals after death. We have also decided to provide a temporary job of unskilled grade to the next of kin of the deceased through our contractor agency,” said A.K. Das, the senior public relations officer of NTPC, Kahalgaon.

“We had no other option. The strike could have paralysed the unit as our main entrance was blocked. We don’t want a repeat of yesterday’s incident. But their demand is not justified. The villagers are falsely blaming our official for the mishap,” said a top NTPC official.

A mob of villagers, including over 250 women, went on the rampage yesterday. They were demanding higher “compensation” for the next of the kin of Ibrar. The protest continued today as well and the villagers demonstrated in front of gate No. 1 with the body of the victim from 8am to 12noon. Villagers performed the last rites of the deceased this afternoon.

Das said the damaged tracks of the Eastern Railway, through which coal is supplied to the plant via Kahalgaon railway station, was repaired late last night. Fuel supply to the plant resumed today, he added.