Baharampur:West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday directed police to expedite the investigation into the Murshidabad level crossing accident that claimed five lives and said the prosecution should seek capital punishment for the arrested gateman.
Adhikari gave the directions after meeting the victims' families and handing over cheques of ₹5 lakh each.
A train rammed into a school vehicle, killing five people, including four students, at the Govindpur level crossing on July 17.
"I am directing the police 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 said.
"The railways and police informed me after their preliminary investigation that the accident was caused by the gatekeeper's negligence. I am also the state's police minister. I assure you that the gatekeeper will face the strictest punishment in accordance with the law. This is absolutely unforgivable," he added.
Adhikari instructed Murshidabad's DM and SP to monitor the investigation closely, stating that a special public prosecutor will be appointed.
He also asked local MLA Bharat Kumar Jhawar to keep track of the case and regularly update him.
The chief minister flew to Baharampur by helicopter around noon and travelled by road to Govindpur, stopping briefly at the accident site before meeting the bereaved families at a programme held in the Govindpur village.
State minister Gaurishankar Ghosh, DM Rajarshi Mitra, SP Sachin Makkar, Beldanga MLA Jhawar and other senior officials were present.
Adhikari met the families individually before the programme and appeared emotional during the interactions.
"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 said.
The CM said he had assigned specific responsibilities to the district administration to address some of the demands raised by the families and assured them that several issues would be resolved within the next 15 days.
"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 tabs on their social support. MLA Jhawar and minister Ghosh will also monitor the situation," he said.
Referring to those injured in the accident, Adhikari said doctors at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital had made every effort to save the victims.
"We tried a lot to save everybody, but could not. Two people are still undergoing treatment," he said.
The CM also said he would ask the district magistrate to take up with the railways the issue of strengthening safety measures at the Karna Subarna level crossing to prevent similar accidents.
"If required, I will also speak to the railway minister," he said.
Shefali Khatun, mother of accident victim Jessica Shabnam, said her daughter had the potential to achieve a lot in life.
"My daughter is gone. The gatekeeper must be given the harshest punishment," she said.
Ishanur Rahman also died in the accident. His mother, Aziza Khatun, said she held the chief minister's hand and told him, "Sir, you know everything."
She said Adhikari replied, "I have no words to console you. I am with you."
Later, Adhikari said in a social media post that he visited Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital to take stock of the condition of those injured in the accident and interacted with the doctors treating them.
"I also handed over financial assistance from the state government to the families of those killed and injured, and assured them of all necessary support," he said.
