Mumbra Train Tragedy: The Missing Backpack Mystery
The Government Railway Police (GRP) made a significant revelation before the Thane sessions court on Tuesday, stating that the protruding backpack allegedly responsible for the Mumbra train accident was never found during their investigation. This development directly challenges the Central Railway's September report that blamed a commuter's bag for the tragic incident that claimed five lives on June 9.
Courtroom Confrontation Over Accident Cause
During over an hour-long proceedings before Additional Sessions Judge G T Pawar, the GRP, represented by ACP S Shirsat and Additional Public Prosecutor Manisha Pawse, presented their case against two Central Railway engineers. The police argued that CCTV footage showed the trains involved were not overcrowded at the time of the accident, contradicting the railway's initial assessment.
The prosecution emphasized that friction marks on the exterior of train coaches and smashed windows on both trains remained unexplained. ACP Shirsat specifically told the court: "We have not found the backpack in the panchnama done after the accident," casting doubt on the railway's theory about the cause of the tragedy.
Engineers Defend Their Record
Assistant divisional engineer Vishal Dolas and senior section engineer Samar Yadav, who face charges of alleged negligence in maintaining the tracks, have sought anticipatory bail. Through their lawyer Baldev Rajput, they argued that railway officials work round-the-clock on track maintenance and no omission on their part caused the accident.
The defense suggested that the backpack might have been misplaced, as often happens with belongings during such accidents. They urged the court to consider the official railway inquiry report prepared by five senior officials, including a senior divisional safety officer and divisional engineers, which had concluded that overcrowding caused the incident.
Rajput challenged the police's theory about heavy rain affecting track stability, stating that the allegedly flooded culvert was over 150 feet away from the accident spot. He also highlighted the practical reality of Mumbai local trains during peak hours, where overcrowding and footboard traveling are common occurrences.
Evidence and Investigation Details
The prosecution revealed they are relying on multiple sources of evidence, including:
- The technical report from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI)
- CCTV footage from various railway stations
- Statements from 32 individuals, including CR staffers and passengers
- Information received through WhatsApp and emails following a public notice
The GRP maintains that the accident occurred because the engineers failed to conduct necessary track maintenance despite requirements for "track attention" being flagged. They claim that heavy rain caused gravel displacement under the tracks, bringing the tracks closer together and causing commuters to crash into each other, with some injuries occurring to passengers inside the trains.
Additional Sessions Judge G T Pawar is expected to deliver his decision on the bail pleas on Wednesday, marking a crucial development in this case that has raised serious questions about railway safety and accountability.
