
Driver cleared in 2018 Amritsar train accident probe
A magisterial inquiry into the 2018 Dussehra train tragedy that had claimed 61 lives in Amritsar last year has given the driver of the train the “benefit of the doubt” for his apparent “little late reaction”.
The probe, led by Jalandhar divisional commissioner B Purushartha, was made public by the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO), an NGO, on Saturday.
Investigating authority B Purushartha had conducted a trial run of the same DMU train around three weeks after the tragedy, which occurred on October 19, 2018.
“In this trial run, the loco pilot was able to see some 40-50 people standing near the tracks at the accident site with lights of their mobiles on, some 10 metres after the gate towards Amritsar side. He immediately applied the emergency brakes. Although the train could not stop at or before the accident site but crossed it at a speed of around 40 kmph,” the report read.
In such circumstances, the loco pilot of DMU train may not be held responsible of any omission/commission or failure in discharge of his statutory duties, it added. Concluding his role, the report stated, “Was it a slow reaction on part of the loco pilot? This is something which only a technically qualified person can determine...”

Magnitude 3.6 earthquake hits Himachal Pradesh's Chamba

News updates from HT: Mamata Banerjee to hold foot march in Kolkata

86.25% new Covid cases in 6 states: Govt

Maratha reservation: SC to hear all states; will examine if Indra Sawhney needs reconsideration

‘Didn’t ask accused to marry girl’: CJI Bobde on row over remarks in rape case

Snowfall and rains bring down Kashmir temperature
- Another spell of scattered to widespread rain with thunderstorm and snowfall is most likely during March 11-13th, as per the weather department.

Arthritis drug cuts death risk by half in severe Covid-19 patients: Study

International Women's Day: Women MPs push for 33% reservation in Parliament
- The Women's Reservation Bill is the pending bill in the Parliament that seeks amendment in the Constitution of India to reserve one-third of all seats in the Lok Sabha and in all state legislatures for women.

Low attendance in Demand for Grants meetings an area of concern: Naidu

Explained: Why Haryana’s new reservation law may be unconstitutional

Women protesters join ongoing stir demanding repeal of 'black laws'

International Women's Day: Punjab lines up 8 schemes aimed at female empowerment

Magnitude 3.2 tremor felt in Gujarat's Kutch district, no casualties reported

India’s Covid-19 vaccine drive jumps four-fold as PM Modi is inoculated
