Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday approved financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer Highway bus tragedy that claimed 22 lives earlier this week.
Families that lost three or more members in the accident will receive ₹25 lakh each, while seriously injured survivors will get ₹2 lakh, and others with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh as relief, officials said.
Bus Owner and Driver Arrested
In a recent update into the case, the Rajasthan Police has arrested bus owner Turab Ali and driver Shaukat on Wednesday night in connection with the Jaisalmer bus fire. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare said two FIRs had been registered in the case.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has announced a financial package for the victims. Families with three or more people who have lost their lives will receive a total financial assistance of 2.5 million rupees.
In case of one or two deaths in a family, Rs 10 lakh will be given per person. Financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each has been announced for those seriously injured. Those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh each.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has staged a sit-in protest at Jodhpur’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, demanding adequate compensation and refusing to accept the body.
Death Toll rises from 21 to 22
The death toll in the fire has risen to 22. Bhaga Bano, 54, died Thursday morning while undergoing treatment. According to reports so far, one body has not been identified.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, 10-year-old Yunus, who was injured in the accident, died during treatment. The total number of deaths has reached 22.
According to Jodhpur’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, five patients are on ventilators, while eight injured are under medical supervision.
On the other hand, after DNA test and postmortem, the process of handing over the bodies to the family members has started.
A private AC sleeper bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire at 3:30 pm on October 14. Nineteen people were burned to death on the spot. One person died en route from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
CM Approves Relief Under Special Provisions
The Chief Minister sanctioned the aid by relaxing the rules of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, allowing for immediate disbursal of assistance to affected families.
“This is a painful tragedy. We share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones and assure full government support for the injured,” CM Sharma said, expressing condolences to the bereaved families.
The horrific incident took place on Tuesday near Thaiyat village in Jodhpur district, when a private sleeper bus carrying around 57 passengers caught fire, reportedly due to an engine malfunction that caused sparks in the rear section.
The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the vehicle and trapping several passengers. Despite prompt rescue efforts by locals, police, and firefighters, 21 people were killed and several others sustained severe burns.
Government Ensures Medical Support and Monitoring
Chief Minister Sharma has directed district authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured and extend all necessary support to the victims’ families.
“The government stands firmly with the affected families in this hour of sorrow,” he said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to respond swiftly during any crisis.
PM’s Relief Fund Also Announces Compensation
Separately, the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund has announced ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The state government has assured coordination with central agencies to ensure timely delivery of compensation and rehabilitation support to the victims’ families.