A 70-year-old athlete from Haryana’s Bhiwani district tragically passed away after falling from a moving Shatabdi Express train. The athlete, named Phool Kumar, had just won a gold medal at the 5th Khelo Masters National Games in Chandigarh from March 20 to 22. Known for his active participation in sports even after retirement, Phool Kumar was returning home from the event when the incident occurred.
The unfortunate incident took place on the morning of March 22 while Phool Kumar was traveling on the Chandigarh-Delhi Shatabdi Express. He fell from the train between Rathdhana and Narela railway stations under circumstances that are still unclear. Sub-Inspector Jogendra Singh, the Investigating Officer, mentioned that the Rathdhana station master alerted the police about a body on the railway track around 6:30 a.m. on March 22.
Following the incident, the Government Railway Police (GRP) promptly responded to the report and took possession of the body, transferring it to the mortuary of the district civil hospital. The loco pilot of the train also informed railway authorities about the incident. The deceased was initially unidentified, and after his family members arrived, the body was recognized on Monday morning.
After necessary legal procedures, including a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to Phool Kumar’s family. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to the fall. Various possibilities, including accidental fall and other factors, are being considered. The tragic event has left locals and fellow athletes in shock.
