‘Insensitive’ Modi govt hands out Rs 5,000 compensation to train accident victims in banned currency #WTFnews

More than 100 people lost their lives in the tragic Indore-Patna train accident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

More than 200 people are reported to have been injured and continue to receive treatment in hospitals. However, those fortunate to have survived the accident, were made to go through more misery when officials ‘doled out’ a cash compensation of Rs 5,000 each.

These notes, according to victims, were handed out, mostly in banned currency. Many victims, who received the cash compensation wondered what they will do with the old currency at a time when millions have been queuing up outside banks and ATMs around the country.

Journalist Prashant Kumar tweeted, “Shocking: Old 500 notes given to patients who survived the accident. Turning blck money into white? 5000 given. 9*500 (old) notes. 5*100 rs.” (sic)

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Prashant Kumar @Prashant_TN

Shocking: Old 500 notes given to patients who survived the accident. Turning blck money into white? 5000 given. 9*500 (old) notes. 5*100 rs.

6:32 PM – 20 Nov 2016

Victims said that the people who handed them out Rs 5,000 were from the railway ministry.

This came after Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced that ‘exgratia to relatives of those who have lost their lives and those injured’ were being arranged.

The recipient of cash were also reportedly marked with indelible ink. The central government had recently made the use of indelible ink compulsory for anyone wishing to exchange the demonetised currency.

No sooner did the railway officials finish distributing compensation in banned currency, local politicians from BSP arrived at the district hospital in Kanpur offering to exchange the victims’ old currency with the new ones.

Uttar Pradesh goes to polls next year Mayawati’s party simply did not want to let go of this electoral opportunity.