Suvendu meets Murshidabad rail crossing crash victims’ families, announces Rs 5 lakh aid

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday met the families of those who lost their lives in the Murshidabad railway crossing accident and handed over financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to each of them.

Adhikari also assured that one member from every affected family would be provided with a government job.

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The accident took place on July 17 when a train rammed into a school van while it was crossing a railway gate at Karnasubarna where four children and a cyclist were killed, while two others continue to undergo treatment in hospital.

“I have come here with a heavy heart. Innocent children, like blooming flowers, became victims of this tragedy. No words can ease the pain of the families. We stand beside them. No amount of money can compensate for such a loss. The financial assistance is from the government, not from me personally,” the chief minister said.

The chief minister also held the railway gatekeeper responsible for the accident, stating that the tragedy could have been avoided.

Citing preliminary findings shared by the railway authorities and police, he alleged that the gatekeeper acted negligently.

“The gatekeeper’s conduct was completely irresponsible. This is an unforgivable act, and he will face the strictest punishment under the law,” Adhikari said.

The accused gatekeeper has already been arrested.

The chief minister directed the police to complete the investigation while the accused remains in custody and submit the chargesheet at the earliest.

He also instructed the police and the local MLA to ensure that the case proceeds swiftly so that the accused receives the maximum punishment permitted by law.

The chief minister also visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of the two injured victims.

Breaking down in tears, Aziza Khatun who lost her only child in the accident requested employment for her husband, who currently works in Saudi Arabia.

The chief minister assured her that arrangements would be made within 15 days for a job in the state. She demanded strict punishment for the accused gatekeeper.

The chief minister said that no compensation could replace the lives lost and punishment alone would not bring back the victims but we will do everything possible according to law.