Fulbari, 09th February: Intense tension gripped the 12th Battalion in Fulbari after the sudden and unexplained death of civic volunteer Pankaj Barman during training. Barman, who was posted at Mathabhanga police station, had come to the battalion’s police barracks for training.
According to reports, Barman had eaten and socialized with colleagues on Sunday night before going to sleep. When he did not respond on Monday morning, his fellow volunteers found him lying lifeless in his room and immediately informed the battalion authorities.
Following the incident, other civic volunteers gathered in protest at the battalion gate, expressing anger over his death. They alleged that excessive mental and work pressure contributed to Barman’s death. They also voiced discontent over the state budget granting only a ₹1,000 allowance increase for civic volunteers.
The exact cause of Pankaj Barman’s death is yet to be determined. Police confirmed that a full investigation is underway. A large police force has been deployed at the battalion gate to manage the situation, which has left the area tense and uneasy.