Modi's surgical strike on notes claims another life in Udupi

Udupi, Nov 17: Prime Narendra Modi-led BJ government's surgical strike on high value notes claimed an elderly man's note in Udupi district.

Mahabala Poojary (70), a resident of Rajeev Nagar at Palimar near here, reportedly died after he failed to collect sufficient money for his treatment as he could not obtain his pension in the wake of the ongoing currency woes. He is survived by his wife Indira Poojarthi (65), who is also sick.

It is said that Poojary was a diabetic and has been visiting the post office almost everyday for the last few days to withdraw his pension, which was the only financial support for the aged couple.

However, the staff at the post office repeatedly did not pay him money citing insufficient change.

On Tuesday too, Poojary had reportedly requested the post office staff to pay him his pension as he badly needed money for treatment.

But according to locals, he could not withdraw the money.Taluk Panchayat member Dinesh Palimar learnt about Poojary's problem and was about to call an ambulance to shift him to Udupi hospital. But Poojary died in his house.

Meanwhile, the post office staff denied the charges made by the locals.

“A number of people have enquired about the pension, but we are not aware who is Mahabala Poojary. The post office is unable to disburse the pension due to insufficient change. The problem is not limited to our post office alone. It is there everywhere,”?a staffer added.

It could be recalled here that a 96-year-old man had collapsed and died while standing in a note exchange queue in front of a bank at Ajekar, Udupi last Saturday.