Signs of 'deliberate interference' in electronic interlocking system led to CBI probe recommendation: Aswani Vaishnaw

Bhubaneswar: The CBI and Railway Safety Commissioner has started probing into the Bahanaga train tragedy while a DSP level office also conducted a probe on an FIR lodged at the Balasore GRP station in connection with the horrifying train accident on Friday last.

On the recommendation of the Railway Board a CBI team arrived in Balasore on Monday to investigate the train accident which claimed 175 lives and injured over 1000 passengers.

Commissioner of Railway Safety (South Eastern Circle) Sailesh Pathak also on Monday conducted statutory inquiry into the Odisha train tragedy.

Pathak reached Bahanaga Bazar station and visited the control room, signal room and the accident site.

He said the Commission is conducting an independent inquiry. A preliminary inquiry is on and a clear picture will emerge only after it is over.

In an appeal, the Commission said rail users, local public and other bodies may depose before the Commission on any information related to the accident.

The CBI inquiry into the incident was recommended after a preliminary inquiry pointed out interference with the electronic interlocking system, Railway Minister Aswani Vaishnaw had said.

Meanwhile, a sub inspector of GRP on Monday filed an FIR alleging negligence by the railway personnel that led to the train tragedy.

DSP Ranjit Nayak of GRP has been entrusted to conduct the inquiry into the train tragedy.The FIR has been filed under section 337,338 and 304(1) of the IPC besides section 153,154 and 157 of the Railway Act.

Official sources said the statement of the loco pilot of the Coromandel Express which rammed into a stranded goods train at Bahanaga Bazar station on Friday night was recorded by the GRP.

The GRP will also record the statement of the Assistant pilot of Coromandel Express and the guard who were admitted in the hospital after the accident. (UNI)