Kolkata, July 23 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday afternoon handed over compensation cheques to the families of those killed in the horrific accident when a fast‑moving train hit a school van packed with children at Karnasubarna in Murshidabad district on the morning of July 17.
A total of five persons, including four schoolchildren, were killed in the accident. The Chief Minister said the police have been instructed to ensure swift and strict punishment of those responsible.
After arriving at Baharampur town this afternoon, the Chief Minister first visited the accident site and thereafter went to the village where the deceased schoolchildren resided. A stage was set up in the backyard of a house, where he handed over the compensation cheques to the families of the victims.
“In such incidents, what else could be offered barring tears and some financial help? Money cannot compensate for such a loss. I am with the families. I have spoken to each of them. The money I have given is government money. I have asked the district magistrate and district police superintendent to address the other demands of these families. Everyone should keep an eye on them so that they do not feel lonely in any way,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the gateman at the railway crossing where the accident took place, who was found responsible, would be dealt with severely.
Investigation revealed that gross negligence on the part of the accused gateman was the reason for the accident. The gateman, who was in an inebriated state, ignored his duty of closing the rail gate, even though he was informed that the Nimtita–Katwa local train was approaching at high speed.
Since he did not shut the rail gate, the driver of the school van, unaware of the oncoming train, tried to cross the tracks. The train directly hit the van, leading to the death of five, including four schoolchildren.
The Railways immediately suspended the gateman on charges of serious negligence of duty. Later, he was arrested by the police.
“This incident could have been avoided. The initial investigation report that I have received from the Railways and the police shows that it happened due to the gateman’s irresponsibility. He will be punished through legal means. I am also the Police Minister of the state. I have instructed the police to file a charge sheet and severely punish the culprit while he is in jail,” the Chief Minister said.
–IANS
src/dan
