New Delhi: In a devastating train accident that occurred on Friday in Balasore, Odisha, claiming the lives of 278 individuals, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation. Today, the CBI probe team arrived at the accident site and filed a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Image source: PTI
A CBI probe into the accident between the goods train, the SMVT Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express close to the Bahanaga Bazar stop was recommended by the Railway Board. In addition, the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has been mandated to conduct a legal investigation.
Upon reaching the Bahanaga Bazar railway station, CBI officials initially inspected the panel room responsible for displaying the signaling system. The Indian Railways had expressed suspicions that a signaling apparatus error may have caused the accident.
On Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the recommendation for a CBI investigation into the Odisha train accident, stating, “Based on the information received so far, the Railway Board has recommended that the matter has to be handed over to CBI.”
The CBI team spoke with railway personnel at the disaster scene, the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore, and looked over the tracks and signal room. The CBI officials were reportedly accompanied by a forensic team, who reportedly interacted with signal room workers to obtain crucial data.
Previously, railway officials had suggested the possibility of “sabotage” and “changes in the interlocking system” as potential causes for the accident involving the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express.
The CBI’s investigation will cover all aspects of the incident. The agency is currently collecting information and will receive full cooperation from the Railways,” stated Aditya Choudhury, Chief Public Relations Officer of the South Eastern Railway, as quoted by PTI.
Image source: PTI
The Odisha government would collect DNA from unclaimed bodies before the crematorium within 72 hours after the disaster, in addition to the CBI probe. Chief Secretary P. K. Jena noted that although the government is allowed by law to cremate unclaimed dead after 48 hours, they are giving families from other states more time to make arrangements for the return of their loved ones. If no relatives step forward, DNA samples will be kept in case they are needed in the future.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have questioned the decision to involve the CBI in the case. However, officials emphasize that the preliminary probe findings, such as “deliberate interference” in the system, necessitate an investigation by a professional agency.
The Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, the first high-speed passenger train, also passed through Balasore on Monday morning. Workers were cleaning up the scene while the accident debris remained close to the rails. The train reduced its speed as it approached the site of the train crash near the Bahanga Bazar station.
The Accident
The tragic train accident in Balasore claimed the lives of at least 300 passengers, with 803 reported injuries. The incident occurred around 7 pm when the Shalimar Chennai Coromandel Express derailed 12 coaches, colliding with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express on the opposite track, which resulted in the derailment of four of its coaches.
In addition to the passenger trains involved, a goods train contributed to the collision, exacerbating the magnitude of the tragedy. According to railway officials, over 3,400 passengers were traveling on the two trains combined.
The railway ministry has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victims of the train accident, while the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will provide Rs 2 lakh.
Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has also taken a proactive stance by declaring that families who have lost members in the tragedy will receive Rs 5 lakh in support. These measures aim to provide immediate financial relief to the affected families and assist them during this difficult time.
