CBI arrests three in Balasore triple train crash

The investigation agency arrested the then SSE (Senior Section engineer) Arun Kumar, Section engineer Mohammad Amir Khan and technician Pappu Kumar under Sections 304 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 153 of Railways Act, 1989, CBI said in a statement.

The accident took place when a passenger train hit a stationary freight train, jumped off the tracks and hit another passenger train coming from the opposite direction.

The agency registered the case on 6th June 2023 on a special request by the Ministry of Railways consent of the Odisha Government and further orders from DoPT(Govt. of India).

According to the Railway Safety’s report by Commissioner A.M. Chowdhary, human error and faulty signalling were identified as responsible for the accident. It suggested that the operation and maintenance of electronic interlocking systems at stations across the country be standardized, and suggested a system of competency certificates to ensure that only experienced and competent people are allowed to execute, check and test signalling modification works.

The suggestions were made in the context of the report laying the responsibility for the accident on the signal and telecommunication (S&T) department of railways where lapses were noticed at multiple levels.

The report further suggested that a separate team for checking and testing modified signalling circuits should be set up to prevent a repeat of Balasore.

A preliminary probe by Railways earlier had suggested “deliberate interference” in the signalling system, with the possibility of sabotage. Besides, rail minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told journalists in Odisha earlier that the “root cause” of the accident and “criminals” responsible for it had been identified.

CBI will now look to demand custody of the three accused after they are presented in the competent court, the agency added. The investigation Bureau is still in the process of investigation.

The tragic triple train accident occurred on 2nd June involving the Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a stationary goods train.

Updated: 08 Jul 2023, 12:44 AM IST