CBI registers case in connection with Balasore train accident

In the latest development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case on Tuesday in connection with the train mishap at Bahanaga in Balasore on Friday evening.

The case has been registered on the request of the Ministry of Railways, consent of the Odisha Government, and further orders from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), after the train accident involving Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express and a goods train at Bahanaga Bazar on June 2, 2023, the CBI informed.

It is pertinent to mention here that the CBI took over the investigation after reaching Balasore on Tuesday. The case was earlier registered at Balasore Government Railway Police Station (GRPS) in Cuttack.

A 10-member CBI team along with some Central Forensic members reached the spot at Bahanaga station and visited the main line and loop line to carry out the investigation. Some members of the team also visited the signal room and held discussions with the officials there.

The investigation is currently underway.

Meanwhile, while speaking to media persons, Khordha Road DRM, Rinkesh Ray suspected ‘physical tampering’ behind the mishap.

“There was a green signal on the main line. The signal is usually green when all the pre-conditions required for the signal to go green are perfect. If any of the pre-conditions are not fulfilled, the signal can never turn green unless and until anyone physically tampers with the signal system. But, from the data records, it shows that when Coromandel Express was reaching the station, the signal was green, but the train moved to the loop line,” said Roy.