Ulta Rath Yatra tragedy: Tripura CM orders magisterial enquiry into electrocution deaths
2 min read 29 Jun 2023, 03:15 PM ISTIn the incident, seven people, including three children and three women, were electrocuted to death during the 'Ulta Rath' while 16 people sustained injuries.
PremiumTripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Ulta Rath Yatra case in which seven people lost their lives after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in the Unakoti district. At least seven people were electrocuted to death during the Ulta Rath Yatra, while 16 others sustained burn injuries.
The Tripura government will provide an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the Ulta Rath Yatra tragedy, while ₹2.5 lakh will be granted to those who have received severe burn injuries. The chief minister also visited the accident site and assessed the situation.
After taking stock of the situation, Manik Saha said, “The state government has decided to provide ex-gratia of ₹4 lahks to the next of kin of each deceased & Rs. 2.5 lakh for those who suffered severe (above 60%) injuries & Rs. 74,000 for those who have been partially (40-60%) injured. Also passed an instruction for conducting a probe into the incident by a committee headed by District Magistrate and submit the report."
Manik Saha also asserted that such an incident has never happened in the history of Tripura. “We cannot express in words the magnitude of this unfortunate incident. During the Ulto Rath Yatra, the chariot came in contact with a wire, leading to its electrocution. Those who were on the stairway of the chariot died on the spot, while those inside the chariot remained unharmed. This incident is truly unfortunate and unimaginable."
"As soon as I heard about the incident, I personally spoke with Minister Tinku Roy and former Minister Bhagaban Das, who were in Kumarghat, and informed them that I would be coming. I have visited the site and tried to understand the situation. Such an incident has never happened in the history of Tripura. We express our deepest condolences," CM Manik Saha said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the wounded.
The wounded were rushed to Fatikroy, Kumarghat, and GB Pant hospitals. Manik Saha said he has visited hospitals to meet the victims of the Ulta Rakh Yatra tragedy.
"The government has decided to bear all the expenses for the treatment of the injured. We have also decided to provide immediate relief measures from the government, offering ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. Individuals with burn injuries exceeding 60 per cent will receive ₹2.50 lakh, while those with burn injuries ranging from 40 to 60 per cent will be given ₹74,000," stated the CM.
(With agency inputs)
