Chennai train blasts: Cannot provide fool-proof security, says MoS Railways Adhir Ranjan

NEW DELHI: In remark that has generated controversy, Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday said that the railways cannot ensure 'fool-proof' security.

Chowdhury's comments come in the wake of two minor-intensity bomb blasts that rocked the Guwahati-Bangalore Express at the Central Railway station in Chennai, claiming a woman's life and leaving 13 others injured.

"Today the Indian Railways infrastructure is so big. How can railways ensure security for every corner? It is not possible for Railways alone to provide fool-proof security," Chowdhury said.

It was chaos all around at the Chennai Central Railway Station as passengers ran out of the Guwahati-Bangalore Express in panic soon after the two bombs went off in the coaches of the train.

A passenger, who was travelling by the S3 coach, narrating his experience, said, "I was awake and resting on my berth. At about 7.15 AM, we heard some sound from the next coach. I came out of the coach and saw what had happened in S4 and S5 coaches".

Most passengers, who were panic-stricken, also rushed out, he said. "We saw three to four injured persons writhing in pain."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has ordered a CB-CID probe into the blasts. Condemning the incident, Jayalalithaa assured people that there was no need for panic as security measures have been tightened.

"I strongly condemn the blasts. I have directed the police to coordinate with Railway Police to nab those behind this incident and initiate legal action against them. I have asked the CB-CID (Crime Branch CID) to probe this incident," she said in a statement.

(With inputs from PTI)