Raipur: Prior to departing to Delhi for CWC meet today, CM Bhupesh Baghel announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh for the kin of devotees deceased in Jashpur on Friday. Taking to his Twitter handle CM Baghel made the announcement. The tweet read- “Rs 50 lakh will be provided to the family members of the deceased, Gaurav Agrawal, killed in a road accident at Pathalgaon in Jashpur. Both the accused were arrested yesterday. The police administration has sent thana in-charge to police lines and suspended the sub-inspector. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured”. The release of financial assistance comes after Senior BJP leader and former CM Raman Singh demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the dependants of the deceased.
The accused identified as babu Vishwakarma and Shishupal Sahu residents of Madhya Pradesh have been detained in connection to the accident. The accused are were passing through Chhattisgarh, sources reported. Reports claim to have recovered a huge quantity of marijuana from the accused’s vehicle. IG Sarguja range Ajay K Yadav informed that one ASI was suspended in the loop of which an SHO has been attached to Police Lines. A case under NDPS Act and an FIR has been registered against the accused under Section 302, 304 IPC. Sources claim the accused hold a criminal record which would soon be disclosed after a detailed probe by the police officials.
Nearly 20 were injured and one died on Friday after a speeding car rammed into a group of devotees during the Goddess Durga idol immersion procession in Pathalgaon in Jashpur. Block Medical Officer James Minj said that at least sixteen people were hospitalized due to the accident.