WB govt rules out CBI inquiry into train disaster

In a snub to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's demand, the West Bengal government on Monday ruled out a Central Bureau of Intelligence inquiry into the May 28 Gyaneswari Express disaster in West Midnapore district which claimed 148 lives.

"The CID (Crime Investigation Department) probe has progressed a great deal and the state government does not feel that a parallel inquiry is necessary," Home Secretary Samar Ghosh told reporters at the state secretariat when asked about a CBI inquiry.

He said the Union home ministry had sent a letter on Sunday to Chief Secretary Ardhendu Sen seeking concurrence of the state government for a CBI investigation.

Asked why a CID inquiry was ordered, he said that generally the Commissioner of Railway Safety inquired into railway accidents. But since there was criminal involvement and sabotage in the disaster, the CID was investigating it.

Asked how long the CID inquiry would take, he said, "It can't be said immediately."

Alleging that there was a 'political conspiracy' behind the disaster, Banerjee on May 29 had demanded a CBI investigation.

She had said that the Railways had requested the Union home ministry for a CBI investigation since it was in 'jangalmahal' where joint operations were on.

In Delhi, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the Railways favoured a CBI probe, but the state government's view has not yet been received.