West Bengal: PM Modi Condoles Loss of Lives Due to a Van Getting Electrocuted in Sitalkuch

GG News Bureau

Kolkata, 2^nd August. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a van getting electrocuted in Sitalkuchi, West Bengal. PM Modi has also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF for the victims.

The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted, “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a van getting electrocuted in Sitalkuchi, West Bengal. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM”

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each, from PMNRF, would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM”

Distressed by the loss of lives due to a van getting electrocuted in Sitalkuchi, West Bengal. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 2, 2022

At least ten people lost their lives and 14 others were injured in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district after a pickup van carrying passengers en route to neighbouring Jalpaiguri was electrocuted.

According to them, the incident occurred late on Sunday when the vehicle carrying around 37 passengers was travelling towards Maynaguri area in Jalpaiguri district.

“The pickup van was electrocuted possibly due to a short circuit with the generator’s wiring system being exposed to heavy rainfall,” said a senior police officer.

The injured have been taken to hospital, he said, adding that the passengers were mostly from the Cooch Behar district’s Sitalkuchi area.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences for the deaths of ten people who were on their way to the Jalpesh temple when the incident occurred.

“My condolences & solidarity to the kin of 10 pilgrims of Sitalkuchi, Coochbehar who died of an accident today on way to Jalpesh temple. Rushed a Cabinet colleague to site, mobilised the entire administration for rescue, help, treatment and initiated action against offending vehicles,” CM Banerjee tweeted.