Toffees at Rejinagar poll rally draw children, girl dies after truck hits her

A minor girl died after a truck hit her amid a rush of children scrambling to collect toffees being distributed from an open vehicle during a political campaign procession in West Bengal’s Rejinagar on Sunday. Following her death, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited her family and assured help.

The girl sustained a head injury in the incident during a campaign procession for Democratic Trinamool Congress candidate Shafiuzzaman Sheikh. Toffees were being handed out from an open vehicle as the procession moved through the area, drawing a crowd of children. Amid the rush, a small truck following the procession struck the girl, leaving her seriously injured.

She was rushed to several hospitals before being referred to NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where she died during treatment.

Her death has cast a shadow over the Rejinagar Assembly by-election and triggered grief and political controversy in the constituency.

On Thursday, before addressing an election rally in support of BJP candidate Shakharab Sarkar in the constituency, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the victim’s family and spoke to her parents.

He said that, as the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force, he can’t announce any immediate financial assistance to the family. However, he assured that he would extend all possible assistance once the restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, the Rejinagar assembly bypolls will be held on October 6. The results will be announced on October 9.- Ends