Odisha Train Crash: 12 Political Parties To Stage Dharna Seeking SC-Monitored SIT Probe, Railway Minister’s Resignation

Bhubaneswar: Around 12 political parties have decided to stage a demonstration in Bhubaneswar over the recent triple train accident at Bahanaga in Odisha’s Balasore district that claimed the lives of at least 288 people.

Leaders and workers of the political parties are all set to stage demonstration and sit-in outside the headquarters of the East Coast Railways (EcoR) in Odisha capital.

Sources said these political parties will submit an 11-point charter of demands addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They are demanding a thorough Supreme Court-monitored probe into the June 2 train accident by a special investigation team (SIT).

Strongly protesting the ongoing probe into the accident by the CBI, these political parties demand immediate halt to the investigation claiming that the central agency has lost its credibility. The CBI cannot ensure a fair probe as it is functioning as a tool in the hands of the Central government, they claim.

This apart, the political parties are demanding immediate resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in order to ensure an impartial and fair probe into the accident. Therefore, Vaishnaw must resign forthwith on moral ground, they demand.

It may be noted here that at least 288 people were killed and over 1100 injured in the horrific three-way train disaster that took place at Bahanaga in Balasore district on June 2.