Murshidabad Rail Tragedy: CM Suvendu Adhikari Meets Victims' Families, Announces ₹5 Lakh Compensation

Murshidabad Rail Tragedy has prompted a swift response from the West Bengal government, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visiting Karnasubarna on Thursday to meet the families of those who lost their lives in the devastating railway crossing accident that occurred on July 17. During his visit, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹1 lakh for those injured in the incident.

The tragic accident claimed five lives, including four children, after a speeding train reportedly struck a school pool car and a bicycle at an unmanned railway crossing where the gate was allegedly left open.
CM Visits Bereaved Families Before Public Meeting
Instead of beginning his scheduled public programme, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari first visited the homes of the victims' families in Karnasubarna, Murshidabad. He spent time with the grieving families, heard their concerns and assured them that the state government would provide every possible support during this difficult period.

Speaking emotionally about the tragedy, the Chief Minister said no financial assistance could compensate for the loss of innocent lives but stressed that it was the government's duty to stand beside the affected families.

"I have nothing to offer personally except my tears. No amount of money can compensate for such an irreparable loss. However, it is the government's responsibility to support the affected families, and we are fulfilling that responsibility," Adhikari said.
₹5 Lakh Compensation for Families, ₹1 Lakh for Injured. As part of the relief package, the Chief

Minister announced:
₹5 lakh ex gratia for each family of the deceased.
₹1 lakh financial assistance for every injured victim.
He also assured the affected families that the government would examine their additional requests and provide further assistance wherever possible under existing government schemes.

The compensation aims to offer immediate financial relief while the administration continues to monitor the rehabilitation process.

Strict Action Promised Against Those Responsible
The Chief Minister assured residents that those responsible for the accident would face stringent legal action.

Referring to preliminary findings from the Railways and police, Adhikari said the accident appeared to have resulted from the alleged negligence of the railway gatekeeper.

According to him, leaving the railway crossing gate open while a train was approaching constituted a serious lapse that could not be overlooked.
"The guilty will be dealt with sternly," the Chief Minister assured.

How the Murshidabad Rail Tragedy Happened
The accident occurred on July 17 at a railway level crossing in Karnasubarna, Murshidabad district.
According to preliminary reports:
A train entered the crossing while the railway gate allegedly remained open.
A school pool car carrying children and a bicycle attempted to cross the tracks.
Both were hit by the speeding train.
Five people, including four children, lost their lives.
Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
The incident sent shockwaves across West Bengal and triggered demands for greater safety measures at railway crossings.
Railway Gatekeeper Arrested
Initial investigations suggested that the railway gatekeeper allegedly failed to close the crossing gate before the arrival of the train.
Officials claimed he was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Following the accident:
The gatekeeper was immediately suspended.
He was later arrested by Berhampore Police.
A detailed investigation into the incident remains underway.

Authorities are also examining whether additional lapses in railway safety protocols contributed to the tragedy.

CM to Meet Injured Victims
After addressing the public gathering, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was scheduled to visit the hospital to meet those injured in the accident.
Officials said the government would continue monitoring the treatment of the injured and ensure they receive all necessary medical assistance.
The Chief Minister reiterated that protecting citizens and ensuring justice for the victims remain the government's top priorities.