Amid speculations and conspiracy theories floating around the triple train crash in Odisha, driver error has been ruled out as sabotage is now suspected. CBI has been roped in by railways to investigate the root cause of the horrific crash.
The Railways urged a CBI investigation into the horrific multi-train crash that occurred on Friday, while the Odisha State government revised the death toll to 275. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s interview on Sunday, the Railway Board has suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation handle the investigation into Friday’s catastrophic multi-train crash. The catastrophe, which resulted in 275 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries, was attributed primarily to “signalling interference,” according to the Board, who added that the possibility of sabotage had not been ruled out.
Vaishnaw announced that the probe to find out the cause of the horrific Balasore triple train crash has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This comes after the railways stated that driver error and system malfunction were virtually ruled out as a cause, raising suspicions of sabotage.
He also stated that the “root cause” and the “criminals” behind the tragic incident have been identified by the administration. As per the minister, the Commissioner of Railway Safety has finished his preliminary investigation into the matter, and its report is being awaited by the government.
Outside interference not discounted
It was reported that the configuration of the point machine or track had changed. Officials claim that this discovery is serious. This is most likely the driving factor behind the Railway Board’s decision to entrust the CBI with further investigation. The Commissioner of Railway Safety’s investigation will take place concurrently.
Railway personnel emphasised that the interlocking system and point machine are “error proof” and “fail safe” while describing their operation to the media. They did not, however, discount the possibility of outside interference. According to a senior railway official such meddling with the logic of the AI-based electronic interlocking system can only be intentional.
Comparison to 2010 Gyaneshwari train tragedy
According to AP Singh, a former director of the Central Bureau of inquiry (CBI), the inquiry into the Odisha train catastrophe will be finished within at least six months. Singh discussed specifics of the strategy the CBI employs when looking at such cases while speaking to various media. As the chairman of the central agency, he also remembered the 2010 Gyaneshwari train tragedy and made a comparison between it and the Odisha accident.
Maoists’ track derailments had been the cause of the accident in 2010. The removal of the sleepers and the suspicion of Maoists at the time, according to Singh, led to the suspicion of sabotage. Additionally, it occurred in the Kharagpur-Tata region. As a result, the CBI took over the inquiry and effectively assembled the team.
The accident involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a cargo train took place Friday at or around 7 p.m near the Bahanaga Bazar station in the Balasore region of Odisha. Following a downward revision of the death toll from 288 on Saturday, the state government reported 275 fatalities on Sunday.
