Suvendu seeks death penalty for gateman in Murshidabad level crossing accident that killed 5

Suvendu Seeks Death Penalty for Gateman in Murshidabad Accident

Bharatmorningnews.com – West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has firmly demanded capital punishment for the railway gateman whose negligence led to a devastating level crossing accident in Murshidabad district. The tragic incident on July 17 claimed five lives when a speeding train collided with a school vehicle at the Govindpur crossing, leaving families devastated and the community in mourning.

Immediate Response and Compensation Package

Upon learning about the horrific accident, Adhikari quickly organized a meeting with the bereaved families to express his condolences and announce immediate relief measures. During this emotional gathering, the Chief Minister personally distributed cheques worth ₹5 lakh to each affected household, providing crucial financial support during this difficult time. He stressed that justice must be swift and the investigation should conclude without delay while the accused gateman remains in police custody.

“I am directing the police clearly to complete their investigation while the accused gateman is still in custody. They must submit the chargesheet while he is still in custody. A custodial trial must be conducted so that he is awarded capital punishment,” he stated firmly.

Official Oversight and Legal Proceedings

The Chief Minister issued comprehensive instructions to ensure proper handling of the case. He directed both the Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate of Murshidabad to maintain close supervision over the investigation process. Additionally, Adhikari announced that a special public prosecutor would be appointed specifically for this case, ensuring dedicated legal attention and faster proceedings.

“I have spoken to the families of the deceased separately. I am with them. Let the almighty give them strength so that they can overcome this tragedy,” he expressed with compassion.

On-Site Visit and Personal Connections

Adhikari traveled to the accident site via helicopter, arriving in Baharampur around midday before proceeding by road to Govindpur. His visit included a brief stop at the crash location to assess the situation firsthand, followed by a gathering at Govindpur village where he met with grieving relatives individually. The Chief Minister appeared visibly emotional during these personal interactions with the families who lost their loved ones.

Several senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit, including State minister Gaurishankar Ghosh, District Magistrate Rajarshi Mitra, Superintendent of Police Sachin Makkar, and Beldanga MLA Bharat Kumar Jhawar. Adhikari specifically requested Jhawar to maintain regular updates on the case progress and ensure no delays occur in the investigation.

Medical Care and Safety Measures

Regarding the injured victims, Adhikari acknowledged that medical staff at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital exerted maximum effort to rescue all casualties. Two patients continue receiving treatment at the hospital, and the Chief Minister expressed his hope for their complete recovery.

“We tried a lot to save everybody, but could not. Two people are still undergoing treatment,” he explained.

The Chief Minister also committed to requesting the district magistrate to coordinate with Railways authorities regarding enhanced safety protocols at the Karna Subarna level crossing. Furthermore, he assured families that multiple concerns would be addressed within fifteen days and emphasized the importance of community support to prevent depression among those affected.

“I will also ask the villagers to stand by these families so that they do not feel alone or suffer from depression. Like the police administration, I will also keep a tab on their social support. MLA Jhawar and minister Ghosh will also monitor the situation,” he added.

This comprehensive response demonstrates the government’s commitment to both justice for the victims and improved railway safety measures across the state. Suvendu seeks death penalty for gateman as part of this broader effort to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies at level crossings throughout West Bengal.