Deoghar – In response to a tragic accident involving Kanwariyas in Deoghar’s Mohanpur area, the Jharkhand government has announced financial aid of ₹1 lakh for each family of the deceased and ₹20,000 for each injured individual.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren instructed immediate intervention, after which Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari visited the injured at Sadar Hospital and reviewed treatment. He assured that all medical services are being provided at no cost to the victims.
The fatal crash involved a bus carrying pilgrims that collided with a truck loaded with gas cylinders. Initially believed to have claimed 18 lives, the confirmed death toll was later revised to six, with 23 injuries reported.
Political tension arose when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey cited higher casualty figures. JMM’s Manoj Pandey called it inappropriate to politicize such a sorrowful event and emphasized that the accident appears to have been due to human error.
The pilgrims were en route to Basukinath after completing rituals at Baba Baidyanath Dham. Seven seriously injured individuals have been shifted to AIIMS Deoghar for advanced care.
The CM has demanded the best treatment for the injured and complete support for affected families. Dr. Ansari confirmed arrangements for returning recovered pilgrims to their homes.
Calling the accident “unfortunate,” he reiterated that the government is proactively ensuring the safety of all pilgrims. Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyash Lakra added that a special committee will investigate the crash, and any found guilty of negligence—including officials—will face strict action. Vehicle safety checks around the fairground will also be stepped up.
With inputs from IANS