Balasore triple-train accident: CBI brought in to 'suppress' facts, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday has demanded that those behind the Balasore triple-train accident must be punished and alleged that the CBI has sent the federal agency to Balasore to "suppress" the actual reasons behind the accident.

"This is century's biggest train accident. To suppress the incident, things have been cleaned and cleared from the spot and then the central agency has been sent to probe the railway accident," Banerjee said, while speaking after distributing compensation cheques to the families of the deceased and victims. "We want to know why and how this incident took place," she said.

"After such a big train incident, there is an attempt to suppress facts. True information must come out. To suppress the actual incident, you have sent the CBI from Delhi to Balasore. The accused behind the accident must be punished," she said.


"The total number of deaths of those from Bengal till date is 103. We have received 86 bodies. Several people are still missing. We have given job appointment letters to the families of the deceased, along with '5 lakh and other compensation. Three persons, who have lost their working capacity, have also been given compensation. Persons with major injuries received '1.10 lakh and they will receive '2,000 per month, for the next three months. People with minor injuries will receive '5,000," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister handed over appointment letters for the post of Special Home Guards. "There are around 799 migrant workers from Bengal, who faced trauma due to the accident, and were given '10,000 on humanitarian grounds. They will also get '2,000 per month for three months," Banerjee added.

Banerjee said, "Families face trouble after the death of their loved ones. We all must be humane. I urge everyone to stand by these families. We will take responsibility of the 50 children."

Reacting sharply to Mamata Banerjee's comments, Sukanta Majumdar, BJP state president, said, "First, Didi tried to politicise the train accident in Odisha. Then, she distributed '2,000 notes to turn this tragedy as an opportunity. Now, she chooses PR and event management. This shows Didi's insensitivity towards the deceased and their family members. Shame!"