A tragic train accident near Taherpur railway station in West Bengal’s Nadia district claimed the lives of three people on Saturday morning, casting a shadow over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for National Highway projects worth ₹3,200 crore.

The deceased have been identified as Rama Prasad Ghosh (72), Muktipada Sutradhar (63), and Gopinath Das (47).

Another individual was injured in the incident. Preliminary information suggests that the victims had come to attend Prime Minister Modi’s rally at Ranaghat and were struck by a passing local train near Taherpur early in the morning.

According to initial reports, the accident occurred when the individuals went near the railway tracks to answer nature’s call.

The incident took place close to the rally venue, which is located near a railway line. Police have launched an inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Prime Minister Modi landed at Kolkata airport earlier in the day and proceeded with his scheduled programme in Nadia district.

As part of the visit, he will inaugurate the 66.7-km four-lane Barajaguli–Krishnanagar stretch of NH-34 and lay the foundation stone for the 17.6-km four-lane Barasat–Barajaguli section in North 24 Parganas district.

The projects are aimed at improving connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, reducing travel time by nearly two hours, and boosting economic and tourism growth in the region.

Reacting sharply to the incident, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took to X, alleging that the tragedy was ignored by the BJP.

“Terrible tragedy hushed up at altar of @narendramodi ego. @BJP4India supporters brought from far Murshidabad for PM Rally in Ranaghat today. Rally next to rail line. 4 went to answer nature’s call & were killed by 31814 Dn local train near Taherpur. BJP ignored, blacked out & went ahead with rally,” she wrote.

The BJP has not yet issued a response to Moitra’s allegations. Meanwhile, the incident has triggered political reactions in the state, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and improved safety arrangements at large public events.