Scared, UP family vows to go back

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

Living in the city for the past 20 years, Rajesh of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh has decided to go back to his native place with family after the Amritsar train tragedy during the Dasehra celebrations.

The mishap left him and his three children injured, but all of them are out of danger. His family had joined him a year ago.

His 10-year-old son, Vishal, currently undergoing treatment at the local Civil Hospital, has vowed never to celebrate the festival again in his life.

He said, “I will neither celebrate this festival nor go to any crowded place.” Vishal was standing near the track when the train crossed.

“I ran towards the track as soon as I came to know about the mishap. I was able to locate my husband and two other children, but Vishal was stuck between bodies. We took him out,” said Kalandi, Vishal’s mother, who was at home at the time of the accident.

The family of five has resolved to go back and start afresh. “Now, we will not stay here. My husband is a fruit vendor. We can go back anytime,” added Kalandi.

Rajesh said, “My son is scared. My brother’s family members are in a serious condition. I will think about a livelihood later. The priority is to leave this place.”