• CBI begins investigation into Odisha train accident, files FIR

    National
    CBI begins investigation into Odisha train accident, files FIR
    The incident is one of the deadliest train tragedies in the country's history which resulted in 278 fatalities and over 1,100 injuries.


    Digital Desk: On Tuesday, the OdiCentral Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday took over the investigation into the Odisha train accident. In relation to the Odisha train accident, the CBI has also filed an FIR. The Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express, and a goods train were all involved in the accident at Balasore, Odisha, earlier in the day, and the CBI had arrived there with forensic experts.

    According to a statement from the investigation, "[The] CBI has taken over the investigation of the case previously registered at Balasore GRPS, District Cuttack (Odisha) vide GRPS Case No.64 dated 03.06.2023 regarding the said accident." 

    The central agency took over the FIR filed by the Balasore GRP on June 3 under IPC sections 337, 338, 304A (causing death by negligence), 34, and 153 (unlawful and negligent action endangering lives of Railway passengers), 154, and 175 (endangering lives), in accordance with the established procedure.

    The Central Bureau of Investigation stated in another statement, "[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 a train accident involving Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express, and a Goods train at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha on June 2."

    After a preliminary investigation revealed tampering with the electronic interlocking system, which detects the presence of trains, and officials suspected "sabotage" as the cause of the Odisha train tragedy, the Ministry of Railways enlisted the central investigation agency.

    The agency, which has limited experience dealing with how railways operate, may need the assistance of forensic and rail security experts to solve the case, the officials added.

    Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier stated that the Central government was recommending a CBI investigation into the triple train tragedy when addressing reporters in Odisha on Sunday.

    The incident, one of the deadliest train tragedies in the country's history, resulted in 278 fatalities and over 1,100 injuries.