CBI begins investigation into Odisha train accident, files FIR
Odisha train accident: The CBI has taken over the investigation into the Odisha train accident and filed an FIR
PremiumThe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday took over the investigation into the Odisha train accident. The CBI has also filed an FIR in the Odisha train accident case. Earlier in the day, the CBI, along with forensic experts, had reached Balasore over the Odisha train accident involving the Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express and a goods train at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha's Balasore.
In a statement, the investigation said, “[The] CBI has taken over the investigation of the case earlier registered at Balasore GRPS, District Cuttack(Odisha) vide GRPS Case No.64 dated 03.06.2023 regarding the said accident." Root cause of Odisha train accident
Following the laid down procedure, the central agency took over the FIR registered by the Balasore GRP on June 3 under IPC sections 337, 338, 304A (causing death by negligence) and 34 (common intention), and sections 153 (unlawful and negligent action endangering lives of Railway passengers), 154 and 175 (endangering lives) of the Railways Act.
In another statement, the CBI said, “[The] Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case on [the] request of Ministry of Railways, consent of Odisha Government & further orders from DoPT(Govt. of India) relating to train accident involving Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express and a Goods train at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha on June 2."
The central probe agency was roped in by the Ministry of Railways after a preliminary inquiry flagged tampering with the electronic interlocking system, which detects the presence of trains, and officials suspected "sabotage" behind the Odisha train accident.
The agency, which has little expertise in dealing with the functioning of railways, may need the help of rail security and forensic experts to get to the bottom of the case, the officials said.
Earlier, speaking with the reporters in Odisha on Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said that the Central government was recommending a CBI probe into the triple train accident.
The accident, one of the worst train tragedies in the country, claimed 278 lives and left more than 1,100 people injured.
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