Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Joint Probe Intensifies After Cuddalore Train-Van Crash Kills Three Students

Conflicting accounts over the gate’s status at Gate No. 170 have propelled a multiagency probe as political leaders intensify disputes over stalled underpass approvals

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Investigations by Railway Police, Southern Railway and state police remain active with gatekeeper Pankaj Sharma suspended, arrested and facing criminal negligence charges.
  • Railway officials maintain the gate was closed when the van crossed but survivors and eyewitnesses claim it was open and the gatekeeper was asleep.
  • Southern Railway and the Tamil Nadu government have disbursed ex-gratia compensation to families of the three deceased students and those injured.
  • An underpass sanctioned by Southern Railway more than a year ago still awaits district administrative approval, fueling a blame game between rail and state authorities.
  • Consumer advocacy groups and political figures are demanding accelerated installation of interlocking signals and automated gate mechanisms at hazardous level crossings nationwide.