An actor who played Ravan at one of the Ramlila events in Amritsar was among the 59 people killed in the tragic train mishap at Joda Phatak area of the city on Friday night.

Dalbir Singh, who was reportedly walking towards the venue to get a proper view of the burning of the effigy, died trying to save the lives of others.

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Reports say that Singh spotted the train coming hurtling at breakneck speed towards the crowd which had spilled onto the tracks.

Quoting his brother Balbir, News18 reports that Dalbir saved at least eight people from coming under the train but could not escape on time.

His distraught mother, Swaran Kaur, asked for a job for Dalbir’s wife.

“I appeal to the govt to provide a job to my daughter-in law. She also has an 8-month old baby,” she was quoted as saying by ANI.

Kaur told News18 that her son was playing Ravana’s role for the first time and had earlier portrayed Hanuman, Ram and Laxman.

“At the time of elections, parties come to us to seek help. We have also always helped them and accompanied them door to door. Now, I want justice for my son,” she was quoted as saying by News18.

She said that people from adjoining villages have been gathering at the vacant plot at Joda Phatak to watch the celebrations for more than 20 years.

Locals present at the event claimed that people did not hear the whistle of the train as the noise of bursting crackers drowned it.

Both the state government and the Indian Railways have launched investigations into the tragedy. Officials said that the roles of the train driver, railway officials and local authorities, who gave permission for holding of the event close to the railway tracks, are being probed.

Earlier today, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh visited the injured at multiple hospitals in Amritsar. He said that the mishap killed 59 people and left 57 injured.

The CM also ordered an immediate release of Rs 3 crore to DC Amritsar for ex gratia payment to the families of the deceased.

At a press briefing at Government Medical College, the CM said that he is ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident under the police commissioner who will submit a report within four weeks.

“Fifty-nine people have been killed and 57 were injured in the incident. We will try that post-mortem of the bodies are done as soon as possible. We have identified most of the bodies except 9, which I hope will be done soon,” the CM said.

“When a tragedy occurs the entire administration gets involved. We have come here as soon as we could come. Today, the entire cabinet of Punjab is here,” he added.

“The Government of India and the Indian Railways are doing their own enquiry. We will do our own,” Singh said, clarifying that the four weeks time is for reaching a conclusion and not just to find out who gave the permission.