Shillong, Feb 26: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 15 lakh to the next of kin of Chesan Ch Marak, who died on Sunday morning after meeting an accident on Saturday while on his way to the polling station assigned to him in Garo Hills.

30-year-old Chesan Ch Marak, Technical Assistant for MGNREGA at Gambegre Block, was deputed as a second polling officer at Jangrapara polling station under Tikrikilla constituency. He met with the accident at Potamati village in West Garo Hills district on Saturday night. He was part of an 8-member polling team travelling in a Mahindra pickup when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to capsize near Potamati village. Marak sustained head injuries in the accident and was taken to the nearest hospital for medical assistance. He was subsequently taken to Guwahati for further treatment but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.

Condoling Marak’s untimely demise, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor said, “The entire Election Machinery in general and West Garo Hills in particular deeply condoles the very unfortunate & untimely demise of Shri Chesham Ch Marak deputed as 2nd Polling officer at Jangrapara polling station under Tikrikilla AC in an unfortunate road accident at Potamati village. Shri Chesan Marak was a keen and dedicated worker & a flag bearer of democracy. We continue to uphold his family in our prayers at this hour of grief.”

He informed that the Election Department is extending an ex gratia compensation of Rs 15 lakhs which will be paid to the next of kin of the official, due to the unfortunate death of the official while on polling duty.

“We salute the tangible contributions of all polling officials involved in the poll process and acknowledge, with gratitude, the momentous efforts put in by each and every member of the Election machinery as the true “foot soldiers” of democracy,” Kharkongor said.