PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to train mishap victims

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia assistance to next of kin of each of those killed in the train accident near Bharia-Bishanpur village in Madhubani district of Bihar.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia assistance to next of kin of each of those killed in the train accident near Bharia-Bishanpur village in Madhubani district of Bihar.

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Prime Minister has expressed sorrow at the loss of lives in the accident that took place after a jeep was hit by Garib Rath Express at an unmanned railway crossing, an official release said.

Singh announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to grievously injured.

The Railway portfolio is being held at the cabinet level by the Prime Minister after Mamata Banerjee quit on becoming West Bengal chief minister.

At least 20 persons, including 19 women, were killed and four others injured in the mishap, the police said. The victims were on their way to participate in the victory procession of their relative Veena Devi, wife of Anirudh Yadav, who was elected as mukhiya.