The Odisha police has registered a case against the Balasore train accident, charging individuals with “causing death by negligence and endangering life.” The tragic incident claimed the lives of 275 people. The investigation into the accident will soon be taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The First Information Report (FIR) states that the specific culpability of railway employees has not yet been determined, and it will be uncovered during the course of the investigation. The FIR, exclusively accessed by NDTV, provides detailed insights into the case.
Indian Railways had requested a CBI inquiry into the accident on Sunday. The railway authorities also suggested that the electronic interlocking system, which detects the presence of trains, might have been tampered with.
The accident occurred on a route where the indigenously developed automatic train protection system called “Kavach” was not available. However, a railway official mentioned that even if the system had been in place, it may not have been able to prevent such an accident.
According to sources in the CBI, a team will visit the accident site tomorrow to take over the case from the Railway Police in Cuttack. The CBI will collaborate with the Commission of Railway Safety in conducting its investigation.
The death toll from the three-train collision has been revised from 288 to 275 by the Odisha government, which clarified that some bodies had been counted twice initially.
The local administration is currently facing challenges in managing the 187 unidentified bodies. Holding the bodies until they can be claimed by the victims’ families has become a logistical challenge.
The involvement of the CBI in the investigation indicates the seriousness with which the case is being handled. The charges of negligence and endangerment of life highlight the gravity of the situation and the need to identify those responsible for the accident. The collaboration with the Commission of Railway Safety will provide valuable expertise in determining the causes and contributing factors to the tragic collision.
As the investigation progresses, it is essential to ensure a fair and thorough examination of all aspects related to the accident. The identification and assistance to the victims’ families is a priority, and the local administration should receive the necessary support and resources to address this challenge effectively.
Efforts must be made to prevent similar accidents in the future by implementing improved safety measures and addressing any potential vulnerabilities in the railway infrastructure. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken will be crucial in providing justice to the victims and their families, as well as enhancing the overall safety of the rail network.
