Injured in Joda Phatak train mishap, hurt by financial woes

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 11

The family of a victim of the train mishap is in financial trouble. Karan (20) has been bedridden since the mishap. Though his family members have received the compensation cheque for Rs 50,000, they haven’t been able to encash it as Karan doesn’t have a bank account. For opening an account, banks want Karan to visit their branches, but he can’t as critical injuries have left him bedridden.

The mishap near Joda Phatak on Dasehra had snuffed out 59 lives, leaving the entire country in shock.

Sustaining critical injuries, Karan was shifted to a reputed private hospital near Verka bypass. Though free treatment was provided at the hospital, he was called for follow-ups later. His kin say they are finding it difficult to continue with his treatment and diet.

He has suffered fractures in his thighs, arms and ribs. Doctors advised him rest for at least six months. Rohit, brother of the injured, said the government gave a cheque for Rs 50,000 as compensation, but in absence of bank account the family couldn’t withdraw the same. “Bank authorities say Karan will have to come to them for opening his account. As he is bedridden, he cannot go to bank,” says Rohit, who works as a mechanic at a car agency. Since the accident, he could not go to work. The family doesn’t have enough money to continue with his treatment.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha said the family hadn’t approached the administration for help. “Now, the matter has come to our notice through media. We are looking into the matter,” he added.