Prime suspect in Kanpur train derailment, arrested in Nepal

[Hindustani78]

The train was a few miles away when locals spotted the 6-inch wide crack in one of the rails and waved a red towel before it.
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ted-after-locals-spot-crack-on-rails-4580309/

A major train mishap like the Hirakhand Express in January this year was averted this morning when locals halted the 12891 Bangiriposi-Bhubaneswar Express midway after noticing a crack on the railway track near Nilagiri Road station of Balasore district. The train was a few miles away when locals spotted the 6-inch wide crack in one of the rails and waved a red towel before it. The incident happened at around 7.31 am. The train driver and other staff informed the incident to Balasore and Baripada railway stations following which the track was repaired and the train left towards its destination.

Though it was initially suspected to be a case of foul play, railway officials said the crack may have widened after a few trains ran over it in last few hours. In January this year, 40 train passengers killed and over 50 injured when the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express derailed in Kneru station of Andhra Pradesh on the night of Jnauary 21 following a crack on rails.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ct-data-on-rail-accidents/article17600753.ece


Crucial evidence is often lost during rescue operations
In a first, the Railways will deploy drones or unmanned aerial vehicles to capture visuals of accident sites to preserve evidence for inquiry. The move is part of a series of initiatives suggested by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabu for the safety of train operations.

A note drafted by the Ministry of Railways in December last says that the basic purpose of an accident inquiry is to pinpoint the cause of failure — be it material, technological, staff or others. Unfortunately, rescue and restoration work, which essentially involves railway officials, tend to compromise if not destroy evidence.

The inquiry officer who reaches the site much later does not have the benefit of proper information and evidence. Consequently, the whole exercise tends to become ‘avoid-the-blame’ game and most of the time the real cause of accident does not get flagged, the note said.

The Railways reported 237 accidents in the last two years which claimed the lives of 158 people and left 450 injured. A majority of the accidents were derailments and mishaps at level crossings. Of the 106 train accidents in 2015-16, 92% were due to human error, of which 54% was due to failure of railway staff.

In Tamil Nadu, the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) pioneers in the making of customised drones for various safety and security operations.

In a recent development, the MIT made the Tether Copter aerial surveillance system that was deployed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Coimbatore.

The institute is also working with the Ministry of Defence and Border Security Force for manufacturing customised drones.

Acting on the instructions of Mr. Suresh Prabu, the Railway Board directed all zones to carry out inspections focussed on safety along vulnerable stretches prone to accidents.

Emphasising mapping of fracture/derailment prone sections for enhanced vigil, it said track patrolling staff should be equipped with better facilities, though the goal should be complete mechanisation of track maintenance by 2019.

Monitoring system
The Railway Board also observed that track, signal and rolling stock defects noticed by crew (engine driver or loco pilot and guard of trains) and reported to officials concerned were “not getting due attention”.

 

[Hindustani78]

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Published:March 28, 2017 1:10 pm

Three live crude bombs were recovered from the spot. (Source: ANI)
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...e-bomb-blast-explosion-railway-track-4588976/


A person was injured in a low-intensity blast near a railway track in Uttar Pradesh’s Khalilabad town on Tuesday morning. A police team recovered three crude bombs from the blast site, according to news agency ANI. The injured person was identified as Raju Thapa, a resident of Nepal. He was collecting trash near the railway track when a crude bomb went off, SP Harilal told news agency PTI. Thapa was rushed to a hospital and a probe is underway, he added. The live crude bombs were found in Thapa’s bag, which he used to collect trash.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Railways
30-March, 2017 19:00 IST
Derailment of Jabalpur - Hazrat Nizamuddin Mahakaushal Express near Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, an incident of derailment of Train No.12189 Jabalpur – Hazrat Nizamuddin Mahakaushal Express took place between Mahoba and Kulpahar Stations on Manikpur – Jhansi Section of Jhansi Division over North Central Railway at 2:27 hrs. on 30.03.2017. Eight rearmost Coaches of the Train derailed.(Four- AC Coaches, Two- Ordinary Second Class General Coach, One- Sleeper Class, One - Passenger cum Luggage cum Guard (SLR) Coach.

Immediately, local ambulances were called and few injured were given first aid and some injured passengers were rushed to District Hospital, Mahoba.

As per available information, there is no fatality and 13 passengers were injured out of which One person sustained fracture and Twelve received simple injury.

Standard passengers of affected coaches were cleared by 4 buses specially arranged from accident site towards Jhansi and also by the front portion of the affected train which departed from accident site at 6.48 hrs along with 10 coaches towards Jhansi.

Accident Relief Medical Van (ARMV) reached the site along with doctor, paramedical staff & officers. General Manager, North Central Railway and Divisional Rail Manager, Jhansi alongwith senior officers rushed for site immediately and supervised relief and rescue operations.

Helpline Numbers were set up at 17 stations including Nizamuddin, Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Orai and Banda, Jabalpur stations to provide assistance to the Public.

Adequate free catering arrangements (food packets, biscuits, Subzi Poori, Water Bottle, Tea, Milk, etc) were made at the site and at Jhansi station for passengers. A few trains have been cancelled and diverted. War footing Efforts have been made to restore the traffic on this section at the earliest.

Ministry of Railways has announced an enhanced ex-gratia of Rs. 50000 for grievously injured and Rs. 25000 for simply injured passengers.

Inquiry by a 5 member Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level officers of North Central Railway has been ordered to find out the cause of the accident.

*****

Rescue and relief works underway after eight coaches of Delhi bound Jabalpur-Mahakaushal express derailed near Mahoba railway station in Uttar Pradesh.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ed-to-derailment-railways/article17743186.ece
Fresh weld means it was not an old crack and that the crack developed suddenly and could not be detected
A crack in the tracks prima facie caused the derailment of eight coaches of Mahakaushal Express near Mahoba station in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said that “according to the Divisional Railway Manager, prima facie fresh weld failure on left side caused the derailment.”

Fresh weld means it was not an old crack and that the crack developed suddenly and could not be detected.

While the UP ADG (Law and Order) Daljit Chaudhary said 52 passengers were injured in the mishap, Sinha said 21 were injured, including one seriously.

The derailment took place near Mahoba station in Uttar Pradesh.

The DRM of Jhansi Division and General Manager of North Central Railway have rushed to the site after the accident to supervise the rescue and relief operations.

 

[Hindustani78]

U.P. Police officials inspect the Rajya Rani Express derailment site near Rampur on Saturday. Photorampurpolice
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ail-near-rampur-2-injured/article18045719.ece

Eight coaches of the Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday leaving at least two passengers injured, railway officials said.

The accident happened between Mundha Pande and Rampur railway stations, Northern railway spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said.

Google Maps image locates the Rampur and Mundha Pande railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. Eight coaches of the Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed between the two stations on Saturday.

He said while two passengers — Amit Katiyar and Megh Singh — have been injured there was no casualty in the accident.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 for each of the injured passengers and also ordered an enquiry to ascertain causes behind the accident.

“Personally monitoring situation. Directed senior officers to rush to the spot. Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations (sic),” he tweeted.

Mr. Prabhu said strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Moradabad Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) reached the spot to oversee the rescue and relief operations. A medical team has also reached, Mr. Sharma said.

The railways have operationalised help line numbers at different stations to facilitate communication between passengers and their relatives.

Helpline numbers are: Meerut (0121-2401215), New Delhi (011-23341074, 23342954), Old Delhi (011-23962389, 23967332), Nizamuddin (011-24359748), Moradabad (1072), Bareilly (0581- 2558161, 2558162), Lucknow (09794830975, 05222-37677).

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ests-suspected-terrorists/article18152357.ece

The arrests were made in Mumbai, Jalandhar and Bijnor.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Thursday arrested three persons suspected of plotting terror attacks in multiple locations in the country.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, CI cell Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra ATS, the Punjab and Bihar police.

The arrests were from Mumbai, Jalandhar and Bijnore in west Uttar Pradesh. Six others are being questioned. “Legal action will be taken against them on the basis of evidence,” the UP ATS said in a statement.

Searches were carried out in Mumbai, Ludhiana, Narkatiaganj (Bihar), Bijnor and Muzaffarnagar (UP).

Details of the arrested persons will be released shortly, police said.

According to the UP police, the operations were carried out based on inputs that the suspects were part of a module that was building a new organisation to carry out terror attacks.

The group was allegedly recruiting fresh members.

 

[Hindustani78]

Bogie of Archana Express derailed near Patna junction in Patna.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu lighting the lamp at the Round Table Conference with Non Railway Stakeholders on Railway Security Issues, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing the Round Table Conference with Non Railway Stakeholders on Railway Security Issues, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing the Round Table Conference with Non Railway Stakeholders on Railway Security Issues, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain addressing the Round Table Conference with Non Railway Stakeholders on Railway Security Issues, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ilway-station-no-casualties-reported-4666514/
By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: May 21, 2017 3:29 pm

The cause of the derailment is yet to ascertained. (Source: ANI)

Eight bogies of Lokmanya Tilak Superfast Express derailed at Unnao railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. No casualties or injuries have been reported yet, according to news agency ANI. The cause of the derailment is yet to ascertained.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has directed the Chairman of the Railway Board to take strict action into the incident. A team of Anti-Terrorism Squad has also left for Unnao to probe the matter.

Uttar Pradesh: 8 bogies of Lokmanya Tilak Superfast Express derailed at Unnao railway station. No casualties/ injuries reported

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...in-one-jail/story-rPqHSZA2cAzo6h49dd2RLP.html

The jail now has around 40 dreaded inmates, including 32 alleged SIMI operatives, 3 IS-inspired suspects allegedly involved in the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast, and 15 men accused of running an ISI espionage ring.
india Updated: May 30, 2017 16:30 IST

Bhopal Central Jail requires additional manpower for strengthening its security. At present, it has around 250 warders and 50 head warders but requires an additional 50 warders and 20 head warders.(Mujeeb Faruqui/ Hindustan Times)

Authorities at Bhopal Central Jail are looking at a security nightmare as the overcrowded prison, which has around 3000 inmates, will now have to keep an eye on 10 more alleged Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) operatives.

Security arrangements were tightened at the jail after SIMI operative Safdar Nagori and 9 others were shifted there on Sunday. They were brought from Gujarat to Bhopal Central Jail after a court in Indore sentenced them to life imprisonment on charges of sedition and indulging in terrorist activities on February 27.

The jail now has around 40 dreaded inmates, including 32 alleged SIMI operatives, 3 IS-inspired suspects allegedly involved in the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast in Shajapur district on March 7, and 15 men accused of running an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) espionage ring in the state.

Jails in the central state are overcrowded, lack upgraded technology and surveillance systems. MP placed second in terms of prisoner occupancy rate with 140 prisoners crammed in jails against the authorised capacity for 100 inmates, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

Sources said the state has 122 prisons, including 11 central jails, 39 district jails and 72 sub-jails, with over 39,000 inmates against a capacity of 27,677. Every year around 4.1% inmates are brought to these jails, which require the creation of 375 additional barracks.

An internal assessment was conducted by the state jail department after the jailbreak by 8 SIMI men in October last year to find out what the state’s jails lack in terms of the manpower and infrastructure.

Eight SIMI men broke out of the high-security jail after killing one guard and holding another hostage and were killed hours after they escaped. It was the second such jailbreak by members of the banned outfit in three years.

According to the jail department’s assessment, jails in the state need 46 watch towers, 49 night vision equipment, 42 baggage scanners, 32 CCTVs, 6 motorcycles per central jail, 2 motorcycles per district jail, 1 motorcycle for every sub-jail and 4 jeeps for central jails.

They also need an additional 568 barracks at a cost of Rs 284 crore to accommodate over 11,347 jail inmates, which are beyond the carrying capacity of the jails at present, according to the assessment.

And, authorities don’t want to take any chances in terms of the security arrangements at the Bhopal Central Jail where most of the alleged SIMI operatives are lodged.

Jail superintendent Dinesh Nargave said as the number of SIMI operatives and suspects lodged in Bhopal jail had reached 32, the security has been tightened.

He added a separate zone has been created in the jail for around 40 inmates, including the alleged SIMI men, who are being monitored continuously through 42 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

“Of the 15 accused of running an ISI espionage ring, only 4 to 5 have been placed in the dreaded category,” he said.

Nargave said high-tech security and surveillance arrangements will soon be made and more CCTVs will be procured.

Sources said jail authorities are also planning to buy electroshock hand-held weapons such as stun guns and tasers for self-defence and controlling jail inmates who create a ruckus or try to escape.

They added the Bhopal Central Jail requires additional manpower for strengthening its security. At present, it has around 250 warders and 50 head warders but requires an additional 50 warders and 20 head warders. Against a requirement of 6 night vision equipment, it has one such equipment at present, sources further said.

Director general (DG Jail) Sanjay Chaudhary told the Hindustan Times the security arrangements have been enhanced and more measures would be taken up in the coming day in the Bhopal Central Jail.

Earlier, Chaudhary instructed officials that no jail employee should carry mobile phones inside the premises. He also said no official or private vehicle were to be allowed inside the jail except those carrying food material.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) ‘Prison Statistics India 2015’, overcrowding was “one of the biggest problems faced by prison inmates.”

The occupancy rate at the all India level at the end of 2015 was 114.4%, it said.

At 276.7%, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is reported to have most overcrowded prisons, followed by Chhattisgarh (233.9%), Delhi (226.9%), Meghalaya (177.9%) and Uttar Pradesh (168.8%).

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/charge-sheet-filed-in-train-blast-case/article19452620.ece

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against four men for allegedly planting a bomb on the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train in March this year. At least 10 people were injured in the blast. In the charge sheet, filed in a special court in Bhopal, the NIA said the accused were inspired by the Islamic State.

The accused — Atif Muzaffar, Mohd Danish alias Jaafar, Syed Mir Hussain alias Hamja Abu Bakkas and Ghaus Mohd Khan, all residents of Uttar Pradesh — have been charged under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, among others, the NIA said in a statement.

The probe found that Muzzaffar had formed a terrorist gang with several members, including Danish, Hussain, Khan and Saifullah, who owed their allegiance to the IS, the statement said. Action against Saifullah, a resident of Kanpur, has abated as he is dead.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...nd-in-train/article19462633.ece?homepage=true

Amethi (UP), , August 10, 2017 11:11 IST
Updated: August 10, 2017 11:12 IST
A crude bomb was on Thursday recovered from the Amritsar-—bound Akal Takth Express here by the Government Railway Police (GRP).

The GRP stopped the train at Akbarganj Railway Station to check after it had received information about a bomb on the train, an official said.

“ On checking a ‘sulti bomb’ (crude bomb) was found in a packet with two lighters and a letter in the train,” a police officer said.

The train was going to Amritsar from Kolkata and was stopped after the GRP, Charbagh in Lucknow, got the information, the official said.

The bomb was found on the train at 1.17 am and it was defused, after which the train left the Akbarganj Railway Station, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) B C Dubey said.

The bomb has been sent for forensic examination and the matter is being investigated.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
19-August, 2017 20:42 IST
PM expresses grief over the derailment of Utkal Express



Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister informed that the situation is being monitored very closely, and that the Railways Ministry and UP Government are doing everything possible and providing all assistance required.

“Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased.

I wish those injured a speedy recovery. The situation is being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry.

Railways Ministry and UP Government are doing everything possible and providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment”, the Prime Minister said.



****

President's Secretariat
20-August, 2017 16:58 IST
President of India writes to Governor of Uttar Pradesh condoling the loss of lives in derailment of Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has written to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik conveying his condolences on the loss of lives in the derailment of the Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express at Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh.

In his message, the President has said “I am sad to learn about the derailment of the Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express at Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, as a result of which a number of persons lost their lives and others sustained injuries.

I understand both the State Government and the Railway authorities are providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to all the injured persons”.

****

Vice President's Secretariat
21-August, 2017 09:13 IST
Vice President condoles the loss of lives in UP Train Accident

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has condoled the loss of lives in the derailment of the Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express at Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. In a message, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Following is the text of Vice President's message:

"I am deeply grieved by the loss of lives in the derailment of the Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express at Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. My thoughts are with the families of the bereaved.

I understand both the Railway authorities and the Uttar Pradesh government are providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured.

I join the people of the country in conveying my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons.”

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
21-August, 2017 19:17 IST
Shri Dharmendra Kumar appointed as DG, Railway Protection Force

Shri Dharmendra Kumar, IPS (AGMU:84) appointed as the Director General, Railway Protection Force, Railway Board. Presently he is working in CISF as Additional DG.

The appointment of Shri Dharmendra Kumar will be effective from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...n-accidents/article19545165.ece?homepage=true


NEW DELHI, August 23, 2017 15:04 IST
Updated: August 23, 2017 18:55 IST

“I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking full moral responsibility. Honourable PM has asked me to wait,” he says on Twitter.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has offered to resign “taking moral responsibility” for the recent train accidents.

“I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking full moral responsibility. Honourable PM has asked me to wait,” he said on Twitter.

“In less than three years as Minister, I have devoted my blood and sweat for the betterment of the Railways,” he stated.

“Under leadership of PM, tried to overcome decades of neglect thru [through] systemic reforms in all areas leading to unprecedented investment and milestones,” he said.

“New India envisioned by PM deserves a Rlys which is efficient and modern. I promise that is the path, on which Rlys [Railways] is progressing now,” he added.

On August 19, the Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Uttar Pradesh due to lapses in the track maintenance work. On August 23, 10 coaches of the Delhi-bound Kaifiyat Express derailed in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh, injuring 25 passengers. This is the second train derailment in the last five days.

On Tuesday, Railway Board Chairman AK Mittal offered to resign, sources said.

Mr. Mittal, who was supposed to retire in July last year, was “reappointed” as the Chairman till July 2018 in a rare instance.

The Minister's offer to resign came three days after the Railway Ministry decided to send Railway Board Member Engineering and Secretary-level officer Aditya Kumar Mittal on leave holding him responsible for the Utkal Express train accident near the Khatauli railway station near Muzaffarnagar that killed 21 passengers and injured over 80 people.

Prima facie investigation showed that welding work on the track was on, leaving a portion of the track without rails when the Utkal Express ran over it and derailed.