Capt orders probe; Rs 5 lakh for kin of dead

Chandigarh, October 19

Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry and announced immediate ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. Capt Amarinder, who was scheduled to leave for Israel, postponed his trip and will fly to Amritsar on Saturday.

Rehabilitation Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Health Minister Brahm Mohindra rushed to Amritsar to supervise the rescue and relief operations. The Home Secretary and the Health Secretary, along with DGP (Law & Order), have also left for Amritsar.

 Hours after the accident, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal cancelled all his engagements in the US and said he is immediately returning to India. The minister, in the US to receive the prestigious Carnot prize for his contribution towards sustainable energy solutions, said Railways is providing all possible aid at the site. — TNS