Odisha train tragedy: On CBI probe, Cong recalls ‘chronology’ of Kanpur crash | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Odisha train tragedy: On CBI probe, Congress recalls ‘chronology’ of Kanpur crash

Jun 06, 2023 10:55 AM IST

The central government had asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the 2016 Kanpur train accident.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said the Railway Board's recommendation for a CBI probe into the Odisha train accident was “nothing but headline management” for having “failed to meet deadlines.” While the preliminary investigation by the railways identified a change in the electronic interlocking system as the cause of the horrific train crash that killed at least 275 people and injured many, the Board, according to a senior official, has recommended a CBI probe to look into all possible reasons, including human error and sabotage.

NDRF personnel during a rescue operation after three trains collided with each other resulting in a major accident at Bahanaga railway station of Balasore district in Odisha on Saturday. (Photo by Arabinda Mahapatra)
NDRF personnel during a rescue operation after three trains collided with each other resulting in a major accident at Bahanaga railway station of Balasore district in Odisha on Saturday. (Photo by Arabinda Mahapatra)

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, questioned the need for a CBI inquiry when the Commissioner of Railway Safety is yet to submit the report on the train disaster.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“This is nothing but headlines management having failed to meet deadlines,” Ramesh said in a tweet.

Ex-rail minister alleges ‘conspiracy’ in Odisha train crash; Cong says ‘to keep Delhi bungalow’

Kanpur train accident

Jairam Ramesh also listed the timeline of a probe into the Kanpur train accident in which at least 150 people lost their lives, saying “aap ye chronology yaad kijiye (please recall this chronology)”. The Congress leader said that then railway minister Suresh Prabhu had written to the Union home minister requesting a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the November 2016 train accident.

He then pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 2017 statement in which he said conspirators from “across the border” were responsible for a train derailment. Modi's remarks followed the arrest of four men in Nepal and Bihar who had allegedly told police that the Pakistani spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was behind the Kanpur accident.

The NIA, however, later said it will not file any chargesheet in the derailment case.

“June 6, 2023: Still no OFFICIAL news on NIA final report on Kanpur derailment. Zero accountability!” Ramesh wrote on Twitter.

A political slugfest has started over the Balasore train accident, with the Bengal BJP leader alleging conspiracy behind the incident. Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari even claimed that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was behind the tragedy.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On