Probe agency suspects track sabotage in Tamil Nadu train accident: Sources
The NIA suspects the accident may have been caused by track sabotage, according to the sources. Initial findings revealed missing bolts and other components from the tracks, raising suspicion of foul play.
by Pramod Madhav · India TodayIn Short
- Missing bolts and components found on tracks
- Track believed to be tampered with hammer
- Investigation stil underway to determine exact cause
Hours after the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the scene to investigate.
According to sources, the NIA suspects the accident may have been caused by track sabotage. Initial findings revealed missing bolts and other components from the tracks, raising suspicion of foul play. Also, the track is believed to be hampered by hammers.
The probe further revealed that a similar pattern was observed in the Ponneri incident, which occurred on September 22, when the signal boxes were found removed. Notably, Ponneri is approximately 10 kilometres from the accident site at Kavarapettai railway station.
The collision happened on Friday evening, when the passenger train entered a loop line and rammed from the rear of the stationed goods train injuring 19 passengers. A fire broke out in two coaches of the express train, and 13 coaches derailed. The Railways ordered a high-level probe into the matter.
Railway officials said on Saturday morning that it would take approximately 16 hours for the restoration.
Meanwhile, the stranded passengers were transferred to another special train on Saturday morning to continue their journey. The injured people have been hospitalised.
Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the central government, stating that no lessons were learned from the repeated train derailments. "The Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident mirrors the horrific Balasore accident—a passenger train colliding with a stationary goods train. Despite many lives lost in numerous accidents, no lessons are learned. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up?" he tweeted.