Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has ordered a magisterial enquiry in connection with the accident during the ‘Ulta Rath’ (the return of Lord Jagannath’s chariot) procession in Unakoti district’s Kumarghat on Wednesday.
In the incident, seven people, including three children and three women, were electrocuted to death during the ‘Ulta Rath’ while 16 people sustained injuries. Chief Minister Saha promptly visited the mishap site and personally assessed the situation and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.
“The state government has decided to provide ex-gratia of Rs 4 lahks to the next of kin of each deceased & Rs. 2.5 lakh for those who suffered severe (above 60%) injuries & Rs. 74,000 for those who have been partially (40-60%) injured. Also passed an instruction for conducting a probe into the incident by a committee headed by District Magistrate and submit the report,” Manik Saha said in a tweet.
Further, expressing his disbelief, he stated that such an unfortunate incident had never occurred in the history of Tripura.
In addition to that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for each of the deceased’s families, and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM Relief Fund.
“We cannot express in words the magnitude of this unfortunate incident. During the Ulto Rath Yatra, the chariot came in contact with a wire, leading to its electrocution. Those who were on the stairway of the chariot died on the spot, while those inside the chariot remained unharmed. This incident is truly unfortunate and unimaginable. As soon as I heard about the incident, I personally spoke with Minister Tinku Roy and former Minister Bhagaban Das, who were in Kumarghat, and informed them that I would be coming. I have visited the site and tried to understand the situation. Such an incident has never happened in the history of Tripura. We express our deepest condolences,” CM Saha said.
According to the CM office, the injured persons have been admitted to Fatikroy, Kumarghat, and GB Pant hospitals.
“I have visited Fatikroy and Kumarghat hospitals to meet the victims and the family members of the deceased. I have instructed the Health Department Authority and Chief Secretary to ensure proper treatment. We stand with the families of the deceased and the injured.
“The government has decided to bear all the expenses for the treatment of the injured. We have also decided to provide immediate relief measures from the government, offering Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. Individuals with burn injuries exceeding 60 per cent will receive Rs 2.50 lakh, while those with burn injuries ranging from 40 to 60 per cent will be given Rs 74,000,” stated the CM.