A 48-year-old vegetable trader, Nagaraj, died in Karnataka’s Kolar district allegedly due to sunstroke on May 10, 2024. His family claims he collapsed while unloading vegetables at the Kolar Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) yard and died en route to the hospital.
The incident occurred during a period of intense heatwave conditions prevailing across Karnataka, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many parts of the state. Kolar recorded a maximum temperature of 42.9°C on the day of Nagaraj’s death.
Nagaraj’s family alleges that despite repeated requests, authorities at the APMC yard did not provide basic facilities like shade or drinking water for traders working in the scorching heat. They claim this negligence contributed to his death. They are seeking government compensation and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Local authorities have confirmed Nagaraj’s death and stated that a post-mortem examination was conducted to determine the exact cause. While the preliminary report suggests heatstroke as a possible cause, the final report is pending.
The Kolar district administration has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to Nagaraj’s family. Additionally, officials have stated they are taking steps to provide shade, drinking water, and medical assistance at APMC yards and other public spaces to prevent similar incidents.
This incident has sparked concerns among traders and laborers working in outdoor conditions about the lack of adequate protection against the extreme heat. Opposition parties have criticized the state government for its alleged lack of preparedness to deal with the heatwave and have demanded more comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable populations. The Karnataka government has issued heatwave alerts and advised people to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours.
