Assaulted by jilted lover, Tata Steel contract worker Laxmi Soren succumbs to critical injuries

Murder case lodged against Badal Soren, contractor named in FIR

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Feb 19: Laxmi Soren, the contract worker critically injured after being allegedly assaulted by her paramour and co-worker Badal Soren inside Tata Steel plant on 15^th February last, passed away here on Wednesday. She breathed her last at 10.25 am. She was undergoing treatment in the critical care unit (CCU) of Tata Steel.

�The company expresses deep regret on this sad incident and loss of a precious life and stands committed to the welfare of the deceased�s family. Ms Soren�s family will receive all support and statutory benefits as per the company�s policy,� said a company statement.

Meanwhile, Bistupur police have included murder charges in the FIR lodged against Soren. They have also named the contractor and proprietor of the contracting agency Tribal Welfare Society, Bhumi Singh Munda, in the FIR on the complaint of Methnath Soren, father of Laxmi Soren.

�We are probing into the role of Bhumi Singh Munda in the incident. The father of the deceased has given a written complaint against him. He has raised question over the efficacy of security system inside the plant and accused Munda of showing carelessness in providing a safe workplace environment to his daughter,� said Rajesh Prakash Sinha, officer in-charge of Sakchi PS.

Laxmi Soren, a native of Kesarpur village in Galudih, resided temporarily at Parsudih. She was found in a critical condition inside the plant in the morning of 15^th February. The accused, Badal Soren, father of three, arrested from Kandra Monday last, had allegedly assaulted her with rod. He hit her on head and legs after she allegedly refused to continue her relationship with him on coming to know about his marital status a year ago, sources said.

JMM leaders protested against the assault on Laxmi Soren and condoled her death. They demanded better and safer work environment for workers inside companies and sought harshest punishment for the accused.