One killed, 29 students injured in accident

Gangtok, April 18 (UNI) Tension gripped Rabongla town in south Sikkim today after a student died and 29 others sustained injuries in a road accident.

Charged with emotions, the students took out a procession and gheraoed the Rabongla police station.

Standard 12 student Narendra Sharma died on the spot while three others sustained head injuries and as many as 26 others escaped with minor bruises when a Mahindra Utility vehicle packed with students went off the road near Deythang below Rabongla sub-division in south Sikkim.

Eye witnesses said that the vehicle was overcrowded with over 40 students. It has been learnt that the vehicle was trying to overtake another vehicle when it skidded off the road.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced Rs.1 lakh as compensation for the deceased adding the injured would be given Rs.20,000 and free medical treatment which would be borne by the state government.

In a joint statement, the state units of the Congress, the BJP and CPI(M) alleged that the students were made to attend the function to compensate the lack of audience at a function chaired by the Chief Minister.

UNI BG ADG RN2013