Accusation of conspiracy follows death of railway worker, Sonde cites poor coordination

Amar Kumar Rao was killed during a shunting operation at Barauni Junction in Bihar.

New Delhi:

A preliminary investigation by the Indian Railways revealed that a worker was crushed to death at Barauni Junction station in Bihar after “poor coordination” between two switchmen during a shunting operation.

The Railways, after examining CCTV footage and witness statements, held pointman Mohammed Suleman responsible for wrongly giving a signal to the shunter of the locomotive, which led to Amar Kumar’s death.

After the Lucknow-Barauni train 15204 arrived at the station at 8.10 am on November 9, Mr Suleman and Mr Kumar were sent to disconnect the engine. The latter became trapped between the locomotive and the railcar during the task after the former gave wrong signals to the locomotive pilot, according to a report signed by five railway officers.

After bystanders raised the alarm, the engineer reportedly abandoned the train and fled the scene, without putting the engine in reverse or taking any action to prevent the accident.

Nearly two hours later, the engine and railcar were detached and the body was removed.

Mr Kumar’s family has demanded legal action against Mr Suleman

However, Mr Suleman defended himself in his written argument and held the driver responsible for the accident. He said he and Mr Kumar had disconnected the motorcycle and the railcar by disconnecting the center buffer coupling – a device that connects the motorcycle to a coach.

He further said that the engine moved a little away from the railcar and when Mr. Kumar wanted to close the buffer clutch, the driver turned over the engine without any hand signal from him (Suleman).

According to railway officials, another high-level probe had also been ordered.

With PTI inputs