According to the SIT, gunman Anil, security officer Sandeep, and policemen Shyju, Vipin, and Arun, who were part of the escort team of the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have been identified as the accused.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said an ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured would receive ₹50,000.
The mishap occurred around 2.50 p.m. when the bus lost control at a curve near Kattankavala and fell about 30 feet down the slope.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), nearly 44,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The accident occurred when the Korba Passenger Train rammed into a stationary goods train near Lal Khadan station on the busy Bilaspur-Katni rail line.
The tragic incident occurred near Bharatpur village under the Sujauli police station area when villagers were returning home from a local market.
According to officials, no casualties have been reported in the incident.
According to the District Public Relations Officer, the death toll is likely to rise as several passengers are feared trapped under the debris. “So far, 15 bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations are underway to save those still trapped,” the official said.
According to reports by NDRF and the district administration, deaths were reported from several locations -- Sarsaly, Jasbirgaon, Mirik Basti, Dhar Gaon (Mechi), Nagrakata and Mirik Lake area.
The mishap took place at the Ambe outsourcing project under Angarpathra OP area of BCCL’s Area-4 when a service van carrying the workers was buried under sliding rocks and plunged into a deep pit.
