Investigation Team, Including Forensic Experts, Collects Crucial Evidence at Collision Site
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally filed a charge sheet against three Railway officials who were arrested in connection with the tragic triple train collision in Balasore on June 2. The incident resulted in 296 casualties and left over 1,200 individuals injured.
The CBI took swift action against the accused individuals, identified as senior section engineer (Signals) Arun Kumar Mahanta, section engineer Amir Khand, and technician Pappu Kumar, all of whom were stationed in Balasore district. The arrests were made on July 7 as part of the ongoing investigation into the horrific train accident.
The fateful incident occurred when the Coromandel Express collided with a stationary freight train at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district. Subsequently, some of the derailed coaches toppled onto adjacent tracks, leading to a collision with the oncoming Yeshwantpur-Howrah Express.
In the comprehensive charge sheet presented to the Special CBI court in Bhubaneswar, the CBI has framed charges against the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Railways Act. Specifically, they have been charged under IPC Section 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 34 in conjunction with 201 (common cause in relation to destruction of evidence), and Section 153 of the Railways Act.
The CBI’s investigation has unveiled that the accused, Arun Kumar Mahanta, allegedly conducted repair work at level crossing gate number 94 near Bahanaga Bazar station. Shockingly, it has been alleged that Mahanta utilized the circuit diagram of LC gate no. 79 for this purpose, according to officials familiar with the matter.
This development marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice and accountability in the aftermath of the Balasore triple train collision, a tragedy that shook the nation and resulted in immense loss of life and injuries. The legal proceedings will now progress as the accused face the charges brought against them by the CBI.
