The Government Railway Police (GRP) in Chandigarh has taken serious legal action against the crew of the Kalka Shatabdi Express, filing a formal case for attempted murder and negligence. This decisive step comes just a day after a horrifying incident where a passenger fell from the moving train, which allegedly departed from the station prematurely, throwing the platform into chaos.
FIR Lodged Under New BNS and Railway Act
Following a detailed complaint from the injured passenger, the GRP registered a First Information Report (FIR) on serious charges. The case has been filed under relevant sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder, endangering lives, and criminal negligence. Additional charges for violating safety protocols under the Railway Act have also been included.
GRP Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Urmila, confirmed the legal action. "The case covers attempt to murder, negligence and endangering passenger safety under BNS, alongside rash acts under the Railway Act," she stated, confirming that the loco pilot and other staff members have been officially booked.
A Timeline of Chaos and Negligence
The incident unfolded on the morning of January 3 (Saturday) at the Chandigarh railway station. Eyewitnesses and the complainant allege that the prestigious Shatabdi Express, which was scheduled for a standard 8-minute halt, departed nearly 2 minutes early. Boarding was reportedly still in progress when the train suddenly lurched forward.
The premature movement triggered immediate panic on the platform. Several struggling passengers were forced to pull the emergency chain to halt the train briefly. In the ensuing chaos, multiple passengers sustained injuries. Serious allegations have emerged that the crew ignored basic safety protocols and failed to issue any warnings before initiating the movement.
Contradictory Claims and Ongoing Probes
While the railway administration initially attempted to defend the loco pilot's actions, citing reasons like late arrivals, their justification appears shaky. CCTV footage from the platform reportedly contradicts this claim. The video evidence clearly shows passengers actively present on the platform, with some even tumbling, as the train began to move.
The safety lapse has prompted a multi-pronged investigation. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Ambala division has initiated an internal probe into the operational failure. The GRP's criminal investigation is running parallelly. Further disciplinary and legal action is pending the outcomes of both these inquiries.
This alarming event has cast a harsh spotlight on the recurring issue of passenger safety at Indian railway stations. The incident underscores a dangerous casualness towards schedules and protocols, where a mandatory halt was treated as a "mere suggestion," nearly leading to a tragic outcome.
