Amritsar train accident: Navjot Kaur Sidhu claims leaving venue 15 mins before incident

On Friday evening, Dussehra celebrations turned into tragedy after a festive crowd that was watching the Ravan effigy were ran over by a speeding passenger train in Joda Phatak near Amritsar. At least 61 people were killed and 72 were injured in the unfortunate incident.

The unfortunate incident has snowballed into a political controversy with local leaders blaming Punjab Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu of leaving the venue as soon as the mishap took place.

Notably, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife became the prime target of people’s anger after several witnesses present at the spot alleged that she fled from the event, where she was invited as the chief guest, soon after the train accident in Amritsar took place.

However, Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has slammed all the reports accusing her of lacking sympathy and concerns. She termed all the allegations as shameful and claimed that she had left the site 15 minutes before the incident took place.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu further stated that she was made aware of the deaths after she had returned home. “After knowing about the Amritsar train tragedy she immediately called up the police commissioner to inquire about the situation. She further asked if she should reach the spot. However, the Police Commissioner asked her to stay back as there was a lot of chaos,” the Congress leader added.

On Saturday morning, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu also visited the hospital where the injured were being treated. Talking to media he termed the incident an unfortunate one. He further added that the matter should not be politicised.

MoS, Railways, Manoj Sinha, reached the spot late at night. The train driver, whose identity is withheld, is being questioned.

Railways helpline numbers — 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485

Meanwhile, all offices, educational institutions in Punjab remained closed on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh for family of dead, Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Amritsar train accident video pic.twitter.com/hb9Q3f9qL6

— Satinder pal singh (@SATINDER_13) October 19, 2018

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