Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata: The sacred pilgrimage of Kumbh Snan remains an unfulfilled dream for many, as fate intervenes in unforeseen ways. In a tragic incident, six devotees from West Bengal lost their lives in a horrific road accident near Dhanbad, Jharkhand, while en route to Prayagraj for the auspicious Kumbh Snan. Three of the deceased were residents of Nalpa village in Garbetar, Paschim Medinipur, while the remaining three hailed from the Goghat police station area in Hooghly. Additionally, three others sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Patliputra Medical College Hospital in Dhanbad.
The fatal accident occurred around 1:30 AM on Friday on Rajganj Road near Dhanbad. Among the deceased were Pranab Saha (42) of Garbetar and his wife, Shyamoli Saha (34), who died on the spot. Tragically, Pranab’s sister-in-law, Piyali Saha (32), a resident of Satberia in Goghat, and their driver, Sheikh Rajab Ali (46) from Bhadur in Goghat, also lost their lives. The tragedy deepened as Piyali’s daughter, Agamoni Saha (6), and Shyamoli’s daughter, Anvesha (5), succumbed to their injuries later at the hospital. Meanwhile, Piyali’s husband, Biswaroop (43), and Shyamoli’s son, Amal (15), remain in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.
Following the devastating accident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her heartfelt condolences through social media. She assured that the state administration has been directed to provide all necessary assistance to the grieving families and facilitate the return of the deceased to their hometowns.