West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday, 23 July visited the site of the deadly train-school van collision at Karnasubarna in Murshidabad district and handed over government compensation cheques to the families of the five persons killed in the tragedy. The accident, which claimed four schoolchildren among the dead, occurred on the morning of 17 July when a fast-moving train struck a school van at an unmanned-style railway crossing.

Chief Minister's Visit and Compensation

After arriving at Baharampur town, Adhikari first inspected the accident site before proceeding to the village where the deceased children had lived. A gathering was arranged at a local residence, where he personally handed compensation cheques to each bereaved family. Five persons in total lost their lives in the crash, including four schoolchildren.

'In such incidents, what else could be offered barring tears and some financial help? Money cannot compensate for such a loss. I am with the families. I have spoken to each of them. The money I have given is government money. I have asked the district magistrate and district police superintendent to address the other demands of these families. Everyone should keep an eye on them so that they do not feel lonely in any way,' Adhikari said at the event.

Gateman's Negligence: What Investigation Found

Authorities say initial probe findings from both the Railways and the police point squarely at the gateman on duty at the crossing. According to investigators, the gateman was allegedly in an inebriated state and failed to close the rail gate even after being informed that the Nimtita–Katwa local train was approaching at high speed. With the gate left open, the school van driver — unaware of the oncoming train — attempted to cross the tracks, resulting in a direct collision.

The Railways immediately suspended the gateman on grounds of serious dereliction of duty. He was subsequently arrested by the police. The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Police Minister of the state, stated that he has directed police to file a charge sheet and ensure strict punishment.

CM Vows Strict Legal Action

'This incident could have been avoided. The initial investigation report that I have received from the Railways and the police shows that it happened due to the gateman's irresponsibility. He will be punished through legal means. I am also the Police Minister of the state. I have instructed the police to file a charge sheet and severely punish the culprit while he is in jail,' Adhikari said.

Wider Context: Railway Crossing Safety

The Karnasubarna tragedy is a grim reminder of the persistent safety gaps at unmanned and poorly monitored railway crossings across India. Level-crossing accidents involving school vehicles have drawn repeated calls for stricter enforcement, real-time gate monitoring, and accountability frameworks for railway staff on duty. This incident comes amid ongoing national debate over the pace of railway safety upgrades, particularly in rural districts where traffic volumes and train speeds have both risen sharply.

With the charge sheet expected to be filed shortly and the gateman in custody, the case will test whether the state's legal machinery can deliver a timely verdict — and whether systemic reforms at such crossings follow.