Heatwave toll climbs to four in Bengal

Kolkata, May 23 (IANS) West Bengal continued to reel under intense heatwave as a cab driver died of a suspected heatstroke on Saturday taking the toll to four since Friday.

"The cab driver identified as Shatrughan Poddar (52) was found lying unconscious inside his taxi near Jadavpur on Saturday. Later, he was pronounced dead at the hospital," said a police officer.

Earlier on Friday, two people, including a Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) employee, Moinuddin Ali and an undertrial prisoner, Jitendra Tanti died as the mercury soared past 40 degrees Celsius in several districts of the state.

Confirming the toll, member and mayor-in-council (MMIC) Atin Ghosh said Moinuddin Ali complained of chest pain and uneasiness. Later, he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

Also, Ali’s death has created resentment among the KMC employees.

"While the Mayor and MMICs have air-conditioned cabins, most of us have to work in humid conditions. Even the fans in our offices don’t work properly. Ali’s death is a result of the discrimination that we suffer," said a KMC employee.

Met department has forecast hotter days ahead.