Congress demands high level probe of Kanpur train tragedy

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Nov. 21 (ANI): Terming the loss of lives post the Patna-Indore Express derailment as a very sad incident, the Congress party has demanded a high level probe and called for strict action against the culprits responsible. "It is very surprising the way BJP leaders have started doing politics on this incident. The statement that has come from Murli Manohar Joshiji is a clear indication that it might be a conspiracy. I completely agree with his statement that it could be a conspiracy," Congress leader Surinder Rajput told ANI. He further said that Murli Manohar Joshi should investigate and reveal if there is a conspiracy. "He must also tell the people that if this conspiracy is aimed at diverting the attention of the people from the issue of demonetisation, as the whole country is in state of anarchy," Rajput said. "They have made cosmetic promises that they will do this and that for the railways, but have not made any changes in the trains nor ensured improved safety and security in trains," said Rajput. He requested Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Prime Minisater Narender Modi to invest more in the safety and security of the railways. The death toll in the Kanpur train tragedy has reached 121, while nearly 200 reported injured. The rescue operation has almost concluded and the effort to remove wreckage of the Indore-Patna Express, which derailed at 3 a.m. on Sunday, is still underway. Kanpur District Magistrate Ravi Kant Singh confirmed the death toll. The Indian Railways has announced compensation of Rs. 3.5 lakh each for families of those killed, Rs. 50,000 for seriously injured and Rs.25000 for minor injury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also exgratia of Rs.2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced compensation of Rupees 2 lakh, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has also announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh rupees in case of death. Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the accident. He said, the Commissioner, Railway Safety, will inquire into reasons behind the derailment. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed heartfelt condolences to families of deceased in the accident. They also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. (ANI)