CBI Team At Odisha Train Crash Site To Probe Sabotage Angle

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday took over the investigation into Odisha's triple train crash, which claimed the lives of 278 people.

A 10-member CBI team arrived at the accident site in Balasore on Tuesday and took over the investigation from Odisha police.

The team inspected the tracks, signal room and talked to railway officials at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district. A forensics team, which is accompanying the CBI officials, also spoke to signal room employees and sought information about the functioning of different equipment.

The CBI investigation is significant as a detailed probe can establish criminal tampering, if any, or the electronic interlocking system, or a signaling issue.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday recommended a probe by the CBI into the train accident that killed at least 278 people and wounded more than 1,000.

The Odisha Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the train accident that occurred in Balasore last Friday.

The case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Railway Act, including charges of deaths caused by negligence and endangering the safety of persons.

The Railways hinted at the possibility of sabotage and tampering with the electronic interlocking system.

Meanwhile, Congress slammed the government over the Railways seeking a CBI probe into the Odisha railway tragedy, saying it is nothing but headline management for having failed to meet deadlines.

"Even before the Commissioner of Railway Safety has submitted his report on Balasore train disaster, a CBI inquiry is announced." This is nothing but headlines management having failed to meet the deadline," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted.