In a significant development, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a decisive step forward in its investigation into the Odisha triple train tragedy that claimed the lives of 289 people. The CBI on Monday sealed the rented house of the junior engineer (JE) responsible for the Soro Section signal, named Amir Khan. This move comes as the agency continues its relentless pursuit of the truth behind the devastating incident.
According to the Indo-Asian News Service, CBI officials initially interrogated JE Amir Khan at an undisclosed location. However, when they arrived at Khan’s rented house in Soro on Monday, they were met with a locked door and the entire family missing. Consequently, the CBI took the decision to seal the premises. Two CBI officials have been deployed to keep a close watch on the house, ensuring its integrity remains intact for further investigation.
The role of a signal JE in the Indian Railways is pivotal to maintaining the smooth and safe operation of train services. These engineers are entrusted with the installation, maintenance, and repair of signalling equipment, including signals, track circuits, point machines, and interlocking systems. Their expertise is crucial in upholding the efficiency and security of train operations around the clock.
Railway officials have asserted that the Odisha train tragedy resulted from “deliberate interference with the electronic interlocking system.” Rinkesh Roy, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Khurda, emphasized that a green signal is only given when all pre-conditions are met, such as ensuring the route is set and everything is in order. Any minor issue would trigger a red signal, making it technically impossible for a green signal to be displayed unless someone tampered with the system physically.
The CBI’s involvement in the case commenced on June 6 when they took over the investigation into the train accident that occurred in Balasore, Odisha. The agency had already filed a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident. The decision to involve the CBI stemmed from concerns of tampering with the electronic interlocking system following the tragic accident.
The electronic interlocking system is responsible for relaying critical information about the status of trains. Given the suspicions of deliberate sabotage, the expertise of railway security and forensic specialists may be enlisted as the investigation progresses. While the assigned CBI officials may not have extensive experience in handling railway-related matters, their collaboration with experts in the field is likely to shed light on the incident’s true causes.
Official sources have indicated that the ongoing investigation aims to ascertain the potential involvement of five railway employees, including the station master at Bahanaga Bazar.
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