15 Migrant Workers Crushed to Death: Who is to be Blamed?
A tragic incident took place at Aurangabad Maharashtra when a goods train mowed down atleast 15-20 Chhattisgarh bound migrant workers. The incident occurred at around 5:30am on Friday, 8th May, when the workers were sleeping on the railway track.
As per media reports, the migrant workers were returning to Chhattisgarh from Jalna amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown and had stopped near the track to take rest after travelling for 35 kms. In order to avoid being zeroed by the police on highways these migrant workers opted to follow railway tracks heading to Aurangabad. It is believed that after walking for several hours they slept along the railway track due to exhaustion.
The incident happened near Karmad, Aurangabad. Around 15 workers lost their lives while 5 workers escaped with injury and they have been rushed to nearest hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragic incident. He tweeted, “Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to railway minister Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided.”
Since the lockdown was announced, there has been issues related to migrant workers who wanted to return to their respective hometown. The extension of lockdown has simply added to their patience to run out. Though the railways have started trains to ferry the workers to their respective states, there has been utter confusion among the migrant workers. Few states have stopped migrant workers to leave their state while some have not let the trains with migrant workers enter their state. The absence of clear direction from the respective state governments have forced the migrant workers to walk towards their destination. The death of these workers will be forgotten in day or two, but political blame is sure to pick up. Be it central government or the state government, everyone needs to be held accountable for the death of these workers.
A tragic incident took place at Aurangabad Maharashtra when a goods train mowed down atleast 15-20 Chhattisgarh bound migrant workers. The incident occurred at around 5:30 AM on Friday, 8th May, when the workers were sleeping on the railway track.
As per media reports, the migrant workers were returning to Chhattisgarh from Jalna amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown and had stopped near the track to take rest after travelling for 35 kms. In order to avoid being zeroed by the police on highways these migrant workers opted to follow railway tracks heading to Aurangabad. It is believed that after walking for several hours they slept along the railway track due to exhaustion.
The incident happened near Karmad, Aurangabad. Around 15 workers lost their lives while 5 workers escaped with injury and they have been rushed to nearest hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragic incident. He tweeted, “Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to railway minister Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided.
Since the lockdown was announced, there has been issues related to migrant workers who wanted to return to their respective hometown. The extension of lockdown has simply added to their patience to run out. Though the railways have started trains to ferry the workers to their respective states, there has been utter confusion among the migrant workers. Few states have stopped migrant workers to leave their state while some have not let the trains with migrant workers enter their state. The absence of clear direction from the respective state governments have forced the migrant workers to walk towards their destination. The death of these workers will be forgotten in day or two, but political blame is sure to pick up. Be it central government or the state government, everyone needs to be held accountable for the death of these workers.
Pic Courtesy: eSakal