In Bihar, four Chhath devotees run over by train
BHAGALPUR: THE VICTIMS WERE AMONG 150 PEOPLE ON WAY TO MUNGER GHAT TO TAKE A HOLY DIP IN RIVER GANGA AHEAD OF THE FOURDAY CHHATH FESTIVAL
Four women were killed when they came under the wheels of a running train in Bihar’s Munger district, 178km east of Patna, after they failed to notice it due to dense fog on Monday morning.
Police said the women were run over by Bhagalpur-Danapur Intercity train at about 6.30am at Adalpur Halt between Dasrathpur and Dharhara stations on Bhagalpur-Jamalpur section of Eastern Railway. The victims could not spot the approaching train due to heavy morning fog, police added.
The victims were among 150 people on way to Munger Ghat, 15km from Adalpur Halt, to take a holy dip in Ganga ahead of the four-day Chhath festival, beginning Tuesday.
They were waiting to board, what is known in the local parlance as a Shramik train, when the incident took place. “The Shramik train, which runs between Kiul and Jamalpur to ferry employees of Jamalpur railway workshop, is popular among local commuters as no ticket is issued,” said police.
Those killed in the accident have been identified as Rekha Devi, 41, Anita Devi, 36, Geeta Devi, 39, and Bijo Devi, 35. Police added that 12 persons were also injured in the incident.
Protesting against the incident, an irate mob paralysed train services on Kiul-Jamalpur section and blocked the road between Jamalpur and Dasrathpur, demanding compensation to the family of the victims.
Eastern Railway sources said many trains were stranded at various stations as a result of the mishap and subsequent protest. They included Yashvantpur-Bhagalpur Anga Express at Abhaypur, Delhi-Malda Town Farakka Express at Kajra, Danapur-Shahibganj Intercity at Kiul and Jaynagar-Howrah passenger at Dhanauri.
Eastern range (Bhagalpur) deputy inspector general, Viikas Vaibhav, who also holds additional charge of Munger, has confirmed four deaths in the accident. Vaibhav said the blockade of the track and road was lifted at 11am after assurance from administration to consider protesters’ demands.
Munger SP Asish Bharti said the family of victims would be paid a compensation of ₹4.25 lakh each as per government rules. Sources in Eastern Railway said movement of trains on the Kiul-Jamalpur section resumed at 11.15am after the blockade was lifted.