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The tragic death of a 35-year-old railway employee, Amar Kumar Raut, during a shunting operation at Barauni Junction in Bihar has ignited widespread outrage and raised serious questions about safety protocols within the Indian Railways. The incident, which occurred on November 9, unfolded when Raut was preparing the couplings of the Lucknow-Barauni Express' parcel van on Platform 5, getting it ready to be attached to the engine. While performing this crucial task, he was caught between the buffers of the train engine and a coach, leading to his untimely demise.
A preliminary investigation by East Central Railway officials revealed a concerning lack of coordination between Raut and Mohammed Suleman, the pointsman responsible for giving signals. Suleman, however, placed the blame squarely on the driver, alleging that he reversed the engine without any hand signal. This conflicting account highlights the crucial role of clear communication and adherence to safety procedures during shunting operations. The incident underscores the importance of a comprehensive training program for railway staff, emphasizing safety protocols and emergency response procedures to prevent such tragedies.
The incident has also sparked political controversy, with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition and Congress MP, utilizing the tragedy to criticize the Union government's alleged neglect of common citizens. He pointed to the incident as a consequence of long-standing negligence, inadequate recruitment, and a lack of focus on railway safety, contrasting this with the government's perceived focus on the interests of industrialists like Gautam Adani. The tragedy has served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the Indian Railways to prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees and passengers. This necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of safety protocols, enhanced training programs, and a transparent investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Source: Railway staffer’s death at station during shunting triggers outrage