Date:15/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/15/stories/2008011553890400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Barnala slips from train, escapes unhurt

C. Jaishankar

Report has been sought from authorities concerned

RAMESWARAM: Tamil Nadu Governor Surjith Singh Barnala escaped unhurt when he slipped from the Sethu Express at Rameswaram on Monday. The incident occurred when the train was about to halt at 5.30 am.

An eye witness told The Hindu that the Governor, who was standing at the exit point of an air conditioned coach, lost the balance when he tried to step out of the train which was moving at a very slow speed for the halt.

However, the policemen, who stood for security alongside the AC coach, held him from falling down.

Minister for Slum Clearance Suba. Thangavelan, Collector, R. Kirlosh Kumar and Superintendent of Police R. Thirugnanam received the Governor who was on a private visit here.

Mr. Barnala with his family members visited the Guru Nanak Dham, where the founder of Sikh religion stayed about 500 years ago, and participated in a bhajan and special puja.

A sizeable number of people from the Sikh community also participated in the bhajan. Mr. Barnala, who played a leading role in the renovation of the Guru Nanak Dham, asked the community to donate liberally to complete the construction work as soon as possible.

Madurai Special Correspondent writes:

An enquiry has been ordered into the incident. Quoting railway officials who were present at the scene, Divisional Railway Manager Hemant Kumar said Mr. Barnala tried to alight even before the train had come to a complete halt.

“The train had not come to its designated stop when he tried to get down. A couple of railway officials were present on the train. We have ordered an enquiry into the incident. A report has also been sought from authorities concerned,” he said.