Cachar Headmaster Dies While Returning From CM’s Swearing In Ceremony

A pall of grief descended over the Lakhipur area of Assam after a headmaster who had travelled to Guwahati to attend the swearing in ceremony of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and five ministers died while returning home by train. Ramkeol Kurmi, headmaster of 770 No. Chhotomamda LP School under the Lakhipur Primary Education Block, was found unconscious inside the train coach on Wednesday (13 May) morning. He was later declared dead after being taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

According to reports, Ramkeol Kurmi, a resident of Chhotomamda GP under the Lakhipur Legislative Assembly constituency, had travelled to Guwahati on 11 May along with BJP workers and supporters in a reserved train to witness the swearing in ceremony. He attended the programme on 12 May. Later that evening, his blood pressure reportedly increased suddenly, following which his companions took him to a doctor for primary treatment before boarding the return train to Silchar the same night.

Passengers travelling with him said that everyone had gone to sleep after spending time talking inside the AC coach. At around 5.30 am on Wednesday, one of his companions woke up and allegedly found Ramkeol Kurmi lying beneath the seat. Fellow passengers believed the train was somewhere near Jatinga at the time. Panic spread inside the coach as others gathered and checked on him, only to realise that he was no longer alive.

After the train reached Silchar Railway Station, Ramkeol Kurmi was taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital, where his body was sent for post mortem examination. The mortal remains were later brought back to his residence at Chhotomamda, where villagers and local residents gathered to pay their last respects. His final rites were performed at the Chhotomamda crematorium (smashan) in the presence of family members and mourners.

Ramkeol Kurmi was 59 years old at the time of his death. Apart from being a school headmaster, he was also known as a strong supporter of the ruling BJP. He was childless and is survived by his wife, two brothers and two married sisters. His sudden demise cast a shadow of sorrow across the Chhotomamda area and among those who knew him.