Odisha girl jumps before train for bicycle; mother dies while saving her

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, May 13:

Mother-daughter quarrel over buying a new bicycle turned tragic as the duo was killed after being run over by a train this morning in Odisha’s Puri district.

According to the kin of the deceased, 20-year-old Gayatri Pradhan’s cycle was stolen a few months ago owing which she was facing difficulties in commuting to college. She was insistent on buying a new one which often led to disagreements withing the family members as her parents were unable to meet her demands due to frail financial condition.

Following heated exchange of word, Gayatri ran towards the railway track near their village at Nuapatna at around 6 am apparently to commit suicide. Her mother too followed her. However, Gayatri reportedly jumped before Puri-bound moving train. In an attempt to save her child, the mother was also run over by the speeding train.

“Her bicycle was stolen after which she was demanding for a new one. They were having regular quarrels over the issue. She threatened to commit suicide if they failed to meet her demand. Today, the girl went to commit suicide and her mother tried to save her. However, the duo was killed,” Gayatri’s uncle, Bishnucharan Paradhan said.

Government Railway Police (GRP) recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem.

“It’s a case of run over. The case is under investigation. We can further comment after the probe is over,” GRP investigating officer, Ashok Panda said.

“As per villagers, the duo might have committed suicide due to family feud,” Sahadev Sahu, Addl Tehsildar, Satyabadi said.