Two station masters get 7-year RI for train accident

Hoshairpur, Dec 23 (UNI) A local court today awarded seven-year rigorous jail term to two station masters, holding them guilty of causing collision of Ahmedabad Express and DMJ passenger Jammu about two years ago in which 38 people were killed and around 50 injured.

Station Masters Ram Lal of village Nadaura (HP) and Varinder, son of Jai Narain Chobe of Berohi (UP) were convicted by Additional Session Judge Jaspal Singh who held them guilty of neglecting their duty that led to the Mirthal-Bhangala train accident on Jalandhar-Pathankot railtrack in this district on December 14, 2004.

A probe into the accident, led by Mr Baldev, Investigation Officer of GRP Jalandhar, had found that despite the five types of facilities available with Station Master Ram Lal posted at Mirthal and Varinder posted at Bhangala, they did not utilise them and their negligence resulted in the tragic accident.

Mr Jaspal Singh sentenced 7 years each rigorous imprisonment to both the station masters under section 304 (part second) of the IPC and has imposed a fined Rs 5000 to each of them. In case of non-payment of the fine they will have to undergo further imprisonment for one year each. The Addl. Session Judge has also awarded one year each imprisonment to the duo under section 427, 338 of the IPC and section 175 of the Railway Act. Besides, he has awarded 4 months each imprisonment to them under section 337 of the IPC. All these punishments would go simultaneously.

UNI XC JN AD RAI2028