Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur/Fazilka
Flood-hit Punjab witnessed two more deaths in its border belt, one due to a snake bite in Fazilka and another by drowning in Ferozepur.
In Fazilka’s Rete Wali Bhaini village, 43-year-old Wazir Singh was reportedly bitten by a snake while helping farmers in waterlogged fields. Locals tried traditional remedies before shifting him to the government hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to a private hospital and later to Bathinda, where he died during treatment.
Ferozepur DC Deepshikha Sharma said Rs. 25,000 has been released for Gurmeet Singh’s cremation, while Rs. 4 lakh ex-gratia and monthly ration will be provided through the Red Cross.
In Ferozepur’s Talli Gram village, Gurmeet Singh (50), a daily-wage labourer, slipped into floodwaters near Hamad Chakk while going to fetch medicines for his arthritic wife. Pulled out by villagers with the help of NGO volunteers, he was rushed to hospital but declared brought dead. He is survived by his wife and daughter, married just six months ago.
Ferozepur DC Deepshikha Sharma said Rs. 25,000 has been released for Gurmeet Singh’s cremation, while Rs. 4 lakh ex-gratia and monthly ration will be provided through the Red Cross.