MP raises ex gratia for kin of Forest Department martyrs to Rs 25 lakh
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Forest Department staff would be given a uniform allowance of Rs 5,000 and a nutritious diet allowance of Rs 1,000.
At least 14 tribals, including eight women, were killed and at least 21 injured when a loading vehicle ferrying them overturned and fell off the road about 40-50 feet deep in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh past midnight Thursday.
According to police officials, the accident occurred at Badjhar ghat in the district at around 1.30 AM, possibly after the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a blind turn. At least 35 people were sitting in the open back of the mini-truck type of loading vehicle when the mishap occurred.
According to officials, mostly all the deceased and the injured were related to each other and they were returning to Shahpura village in Dindori after attending a family function at Niwas in the nearby Mandla district.
Advertisement
Police arrested the vehicle owner, Amjer Tekam, who was driving the vehicle himself.
Sources said that neither the loading vehicle was authorised to ferry passengers nor did it have valid insurance. The registration of the vehicle had also expired about two years ago, sources added.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav sent state cabinet minister Sampatiya Uikey to the spot to meet the injured after the news of the mishap was received. The injured were admitted to a hospital where some were in a serious condition.
The CM expressed sadness at the accident and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs four lakh to the nearest kin of each deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief at the tragic incident and announced a relief of Rs two lakh to the kin of the deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu and other leaders also expressed sadness at the incident.
Advertisement
