Sabotage behind Sainthia mishap: Railwaymen's Federation

Apprehending "sabotage" to be the reason behind the Sainthia train accident on Monday, the All India Railwaymen's Federation today demanded a CBI probe into the mishap.

Apprehending "sabotage" to be the reason behind the Sainthia train accident on Monday, the All India Railwaymen's Federation on Wednesday demanded a CBI probe into the mishap.

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"A CBI inquiry would only reveal the truth because it seems a 100 per cent case of sabotage. Blaming loco pilots is not correct," said general secretary of the federation Shiv Gopal Mishra.

Talking to media persons, he dismissed reports that the drivers of Uttarbanga Express were responsible for the mishap that claimed 66 people when the Sealdah-bound train rammed into the Ranchi-bound Vananchal express at Sainthia station in full speed early Monday morning.

Mishra said it would not be wise to put the blame on the main loco pilot as he was an experienced man with a good a career record.

The union leader said politicising the accident would only demoralise the morale of the railwaymen who are responsible for the safety of the passengers.

Chairman of the Railway Board Vivek Sahay had termed the drivers' behaviour as "unusual" after visiting the site.

"The train was speeding at over 60 kmph towards the station despite it being a regular halt and it did not apply brakes before it rammed into the Vananchal express," he had said.