Odisha train tragedy: Destiny had other plans for 4 bosom friends

Three among four bosom friends from Phutkishol village under Morada block in Mayurbhanj district, who had boarded the ill-fated Coromandel Express to Chennai to work as migrant workers, lost their lives in the horrific train accident at Bahanaga in Balasore district. The fourth friend is still missing.

The victims have been identified as Satyanath Patabandha, Bharat Das, Kirtan C and Brahmananda Das. While, Satyanath, Bharat and Kirtan lost their lives and their bodies have been handed over to family members, there is no trace of Brahmananda.

As per sources, four of them are from one ward of Phutkishol. They had decided to go to Chennai to work as migrant workers. As per their plan, they boarded the Coromandel Express and were travelling in one coach. However, destiny had other plans.

The family members got the news about the horrific accident and somehow reached the spot after five days. Though the bodies were dismembered and decomposed, the family members of Satyanath, Bharat and Kirtan could identify their bodies.

“He had called me over the phone before the departure of the train. But we could talk for a few minutes only as there was a huge rush on the train. He promised to call me later, but the next call never came,” said Kirtan’s crestfallen wife, Kuni.

“He along with his friends had gone to Chennai to work hard and earn handsomely. He cherished the dream of building a good house for us, improve our living conditions and help of our children pursue higher education. However, all our dreams have been shattered,” she added.

“All of them were good friends. They used to play cards together and make a lot of fun. After getting the sad news about them, the whole village is mourning,” said a villager. 

Meanwhile, Bramhananda is still missing. Though his family members had identified one body, a family from Purulia in West Bengal claimed it to be theirs.

Subsequently, Bramhananda’s family had no option but to return home. They have given their samples for a DNA test. Now, the family members are awaiting the DNA test report to get the body. Though there is a faint chance that the body is not of Bramhananda and he is missing and still alive, the family members have lost all hopes as the four friends were travelling in one bogey, which has been the worst affected in the horrific accident.

“I have no hope of getting him back. The four friends were travelling in one bogey which has been the worst affected. A miracle could have saved him. Now, what will happen to us?” said Bramhananda’s wife, Mina Das.

“We are anxiously waiting for the DNA test report now as another family from West Bengal is claiming the body that we had identified,” said Bramhananda’s brother, Bhabani.