Gogoi requests Manjhi for free treatment of Rajdhani victims

Guwahati, June 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Wednesday requested his Bihar counterpart Jitan Ram Manjhi to provide free medical treatment to injured passengers of the Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express that derailed in Bihar.

He also urged the central government to increase the ex-gratia from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.5 lakh for the families of the five passengers who were killed in the accident.

At least five people were killed and 13 injured when all 12 coaches and the engine of the train derailed early Wednesday.

Gogoi made the request during a telephonic conversation with Manjhi Wednesday morning, officials said.

Besides, Gogoi directed Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Surendra Kumar to immediately visit the accident site in Bihar and oversee relief operations.

The Northeast Frontier Railway diverted at least six trains in view of the derailment.