West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari provided compensation checks to the families of individuals who lost their lives in a tragic incident where a fast-moving train collided with a school van carrying children in Karnasubarna, Murshidabad district on July 17. Five individuals, including four schoolchildren, lost their lives in the accident. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for swift and severe punishment for those accountable.
Upon his arrival in Baharampur town, the Chief Minister visited the accident site and then met with the families of the deceased schoolchildren in their village. Expressing his solidarity, he handed over the compensation checks, acknowledging that no amount of money can truly compensate for such a loss. He assured that the government would address the additional needs of the affected families.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the gateman at the railway crossing, deemed responsible for the accident, would face strict consequences. Investigations revealed that the gateman, who was intoxicated, neglected his duty of closing the rail gate despite being aware of the approaching train. This negligence led to the tragic collision between the train and the school van, resulting in the fatalities.
The gateman was promptly suspended by the Railways for serious negligence and later arrested by the police. The Chief Minister, also the Police Minister of the state, emphasized that the incident could have been prevented and vowed to ensure legal actions against the responsible party. He directed the police to file a charge sheet and ensure the culprit faces severe punishment.
