Chennai: An official inquiry has confirmed that sabotage was the cause of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailment at Kavaraipettai on October 11. The investigation revealed that six bolts and nuts were intentionally removed, diverting the train onto a loop line where it collided with a stationary goods train, resulting in 19 injuries and significant damage.
The incident occurred when a trackman failed to notice any suspicious activity during his shift, and tampering likely occurred just before an EMU train passed at 8:26 p.m. Twelve minutes later, the Bagmati Express followed, unaware of the track change. The first seven coaches of the train derailed, and one of the boxes caught fire. Three coaches of the freight train were also damaged.
Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express Derailment Caused by Intentional Damage
A high-level committee, led by Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh, was formed to investigate the accident. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Railway Police are conducting separate investigations, with three special teams formed to look into the matter.
According to sources, 15 people, including the loco pilot, railway station officer, technical team, and signal team, were questioned, revealing shocking information. The inquiry found that the accident was not caused by a technical fault but by the intentional removal of bolts and nuts at the rail transition points in Kavarappettai and Ponneri.
The Railway Police are continuing their investigation, focusing on identifying those responsible for the sabotage. This incident is the latest in a series of rail accidents in India, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and measures to prevent such incidents.
