Tea seller attempts suicide as rail services remain closed due to lockdown in West Bengal

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a tea vendor tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire in a railway station premises. Few cab drivers who spotted the tea vendor saved his life. The tragic incident took place at NJP station in Siliguri.

The lockdown has been in place for months to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. There was some relaxation given by the government. As soon as the unlock phase started, the number of patients infected with COVID-19 increased. To deal with the situation, the lockdown has again been enforced in the state for two days in a week. Even though buses, cars, and taxis will be running on the road, train services will be completely closed. There is no specific information provided as to when train services will resume.

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According to sources, a man named Raja used to sell tea at the NJP station in Siliguri. His family lives on his income. Due to the lockdown, no trains arrived at the station and there was no crowd of passengers in the station. Many people who live near the station do not want to buy tea or any other food for the fear of COVID-19.

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Raja was without income for the last few months. He tried selling tea as much as he could, but he finally gave up. Raja tried to commit suicide by pouring kerosene oil on his body at the NJP station on the morning of August 31. Few cab drivers, upon seeing this, came forward to save Raja’s life. The tea vendor has been admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital.

• Lockdown
• tea seller
• suicide