KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday directed the police to expedite the investigation into the Murshidabad level crossing accident that claimed five lives.He said the prosecution should seek capital punishment for the arrested gateman, news agency PTI reported.Adhikari issued the directions after meeting the victims’ families and handing over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each.Five people, including four school students, were killed when a train rammed into a school vehicle at the Govindpur level crossing on July 17.“I am directing the police clearly 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 chief minister directed the Murshidabad SP and DM to closely monitor the investigation and said a special public prosecutor would be appointed for the case.He also instructed local MLA Bharat Kumar Jhawar to keep track of the case and keep him informed about its progress.Adhikari flew to Baharampur by helicopter around noon and then travelled by road to Govindpur. He briefly stopped at the accident site before meeting the bereaved families at a programme in Govindpur village.State minister Gaurishankar Ghosh, DM Rajarshi Mitra, SP Sachin Makkar, Beldanga MLA Jhawar and other senior officials were present.The chief minister 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.Adhikari 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 a tab 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 chief minister 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.(With agency inputs)
