Ananya Lohia , Murshidabad -  Hours after a passenger train rammed into a school van in West Bengal's Murshidabad, killing five people, including three schoolchildren, the Eastern Railway confirmed the arrest of the gateman on duty, alleging negligence at the level crossing.

According to the Eastern Railway, the gateman, identified as Anup Karmakar, allegedly opened the level crossing gate for road traffic after the passage of the Nabadwip Dham–Balurghat Express, unaware that the Nimtita–Katwa Passenger train was approaching on the adjacent track. The train collided with the school van at around 6:40 am, resulting in the deaths of five people and leaving several others injured. The concerned Permanent Way Inspector, Kaushik Mal, has been suspended pending further investigation.

Calling the tragedy a case of "human error", West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said negligence would not be tolerated and directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He also instructed the state administration to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the families of the victims. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim.

A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events behind the tragedy, as railway and state authorities face mounting questions over safety measures at level crossings.