CBI Files Charge-sheet Against Three Arrested Railway Officials in Balasore Triple Train Collision Case

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a decisive step towards justice by filing a charge-sheet against three Railway officials involved in the tragic triple train collision case that shook Balasore district, Odisha, on January 20, 2023. This article delves into the details of this case, shedding light on the events leading up to the collision, the charges laid against the officials, and the ongoing investigation.

The Incident

On that fateful day, chaos and tragedy unfolded at the Balasore Town railway station as two passenger trains collided with a goods train. The horrifying collision resulted in the derailment of several coaches, leading to the untimely demise of 12 people and causing injuries to more than 50 others. The aftermath of the incident left the nation in shock and mourning.

The Arrests

In the wake of this devastating incident, the CBI swiftly initiated a preliminary inquiry, which subsequently led to the arrest of three Railway officials on April 20, 2023. The individuals facing charges are as follows:

1. Sanjeev Kishore - Then Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of East Coast Railway (ECoR), Bhubaneswar.

2. Prasanta Kumar Pradhan - Then Senior Divisional Signal Engineer (SDSO), Balasore.

3. Gopal Chandra Pradhan - Then Assistant Station Master (ASM), Balasore Town.

The Charges

The charge-sheet filed by the CBI alleges that the three officials were negligent in the execution of their duties, ultimately leading to the catastrophic accident. It further asserts that they violated safety rules and regulations and failed to take timely actions to prevent the collision. The charges have been framed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:

- Section 304A (Causing death by negligence)

- Section 338 (Causing grievous hurt by negligence)

- Section 34 (Common intention)

Legal Proceedings

While the accused officials have been granted bail by the special CBI court, it's worth noting that the CBI has challenged this decision in the Orissa High Court. The case continues to be under active investigation, and the CBI is expected to file supplementary charge-sheets against other officials in the coming days.

Conclusion

The charge-sheet filed by the CBI marks a significant step towards seeking justice for the victims of the Balasore triple train collision case. It highlights the accountability of Railway officials in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a fair and thorough investigation that will provide closure to the affected families.

FAQs

1. What led to the Balasore triple train collision case?

The collision occurred due to the negligent actions of Railway officials, which led to the tragic accident at the Balasore Town railway station.

2. What charges have been laid against the arrested officials?

The officials are facing charges under IPC Sections 304A, 338, and 34 for causing death and grievous hurt by negligence with common intention.

3. Are there any updates on the case?

The case is still under investigation, and the CBI may file supplementary charge-sheets against other officials in the near future.

4. Have the arrested officials been released on bail?

Yes, they have been granted bail by the special CBI court, but the CBI has contested this decision in the Orissa High Court.

5. How many casualties and injuries resulted from the collision?

The collision tragically claimed the lives of 12 individuals and left over 50 others with various degrees of injuries.