Odisha train tragedy: CBI begins probe at accident site in Bahanaga

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday started its probe into the horrific triple train crash accident at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district that claimed the lives of 275 people.

As per reports, 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 discussed with the officials there.

It is expected that the team may visit the control room and question the station master along with other officials about the possible causes of the accidents.

The Railway Board on Sunday recommended a CBI probe into the tragic accident, in which the death toll has touched 278, as three more individuals have succumbed to their injuries.

Earlier, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) Shailesh Kumar Pathak visited the accident site on Monday where he went to the control room, signal room and signal point at Bahanaga railway station.

“The CBI team is here to investigate the accident. They are doing their job. We cannot disclose any information about their investigation. They have a system of working. They will clear all evidence and details from the spot,” said Aditya Kumar Choudhury, chief public relation officer (CPRO), South Eastern Railway.

Meanwhile, while speaking to media persons, Khordha Road division DRM Rinkesh Ray suspected ‘physical tampering’ of the system of the Bahanaga station.

“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 does not meet, technically 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.

The statement of Roy indicates tempering of the system behind the massive train tragedy. However, the exact reason behind the accident will be known after the completion of the twin investigations by CBI and CCRS, an official said.