CBI takes over investigation into Odisha train accident, files FIR

The CBI started its investigation into the Balasore railway accident involving three trains on Tuesday with the top officials of the investigating agency having visited the spot to gather information.

The investigating agency also registered an FIR on Tuesday at 2:15 pm following a mandatory notification from the Department of Personnel and Training for handing over the probe to the CBI.

The CBI also took over the FIR registered by the GRP ( Government Railway Police) Cuttack on June 3 under IPC sections 337, 338, 304A (causing death by negligence) and 34 (common intention), and sections 153 (unlawful and negligent action endangering lives of Railway passengers), 154 and 175 (endangering lives) of the Railways Act.

The FIR stated many deaths were due to injuries caused due to collision and electrocution after coming in contact with the overhead low-tension line.

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According to the procedure, the CBI re-registers the local police case as its own FIR and starts the probe. It can add or remove a charge from the FIR in its charge sheet filed after its investigation.

"The CBI will probe all aspects. It is gathering information and the Railways will extend full cooperation," South Eastern Railway chief public relations officer Aditya Choudhury told the media.

With the preliminary probe by the railways flagging possible tampering of the interlocking system, and Railway Board officials suspecting sabotage behind the tragedy, the CBI may take views of rail safety experts to get to the bottom of the case.

A team of six CBI officials led by Joint Director Special Crime Viplav Kumar Choudhry reached the accident site at Bahanaga Bazar Railway Station on Tuesday. The team was accompanied by forensic experts and railway officials. The officials inspected the main line and loop line and also went to the signal room where it met railway officials.

The crash involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train laden with iron ore occurred around 7 PM on Friday near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district.

The accident claimed 288 lives and left more than 1,100 people injured.