Assam Congress seeks Rs 20 lakh compensation for Kaziranga accident victims
Leader Debabrata Saikia has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase aid for families of the 26 people killed in a vehicle collision.
Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday to request increased financial aid for families of the 26 people killed in a minibus and container truck collision near Kaziranga National Park. According to The New Indian Express, Saikia is seeking a total of at least Rs 20 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, which would include the Rs 9 lakh already provided by the state and central governments.
The accident occurred on Friday, November 13, in a head-on collision on National Highway-715. Officials stated that 26 people, including women, minors, and several college students, died in the crash, while 20 others were injured.
In his letter, the former Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly requested free medical care for the injured, scholarships for dependent children, and livelihood support for families who lost primary earners. He also demanded a full independent investigation into the crash and the safety standards of the highway.
Saikia alleged that authorities have ignored vital road safety measures and expressed concern regarding the poor state of the NH-715 stretch. He also criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for visiting the site a day later on Saturday and suggested that remarks regarding a possible medical emergency involving the driver should not overshadow potential infrastructure failures.