The Congress has sustained pressure on the Narendra Modi government for fixing accountability for the neglect of safety systems in the railways, alleging that an attempt was on to weave conspiracy theories to divert the nation’s attention from its failures.

Referring to the hints of “deliberate interference” that caused the Balasore train accident, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said: “Had it not been tragic, it would have been comical that another goods train derailed when the relief operations were going on. There is a conspiracy to divert attention by weaving conspiracy theories instead of fixing responsibility for the accident and neglect of safety concerns.”

Shrinate lamented that this government didn’t know anything about accountability and always tried to divert attention. “What will the CBI do? We have seen how the Kanpur rail accident was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Even after seven years, the NIA has failed to file a chargesheet. Nobody knows if the accident was the government’s failure or a criminal conspiracy.”

This comes a day after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister questioning the rationale behind handing over the investigation to the CBI. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh tweeted: “Even before the Commissioner of Railway Safety has submitted his report on the Balasore train disaster, a CBI inquiry is announced. This is nothing but headlines management having failed to meet deadlines.”

Ramesh added: “Recall the chronology: November 20, 2016: Indore-Patna Express derails near Kanpur. Over 150 people lose their lives. 2. January 23, 2017: Then Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu writes to Union Home Minister asking for NIA probe into this accident. 3. February 24, 2017: PM says Kanpur train accident is a conspiracy. 4. October 21, 2018: Newspapers report NIA will not file any chargesheet in the derailment. 5: June 6, 2023: Still no official news on NIA final report on Kanpur derailment. Zero accountability.”

Shrinate said these were tricks aimed at diverting focus from the government’s failure to install anti-collision devices, strengthen the signal system and fill lakhs of vacancies.

“Indian Railways transports 2.20 crore passengers every day, which is more than the population of Australia. But the passengers are travelling at their own risk, the government has no responsibility for the safety of passengers. The Kuneru (Andhra Pradesh) derailment was also handed over to the NIA but no chargesheet has been filed,” she said.

She added: “Will the CBI now find out whether the rail tracks are maintained or not; whether signals and interlocking (systems) were functioning properly or not? Will the CBI find out why the budget for track maintenance was curtailed? Will the CBI find out why the CAG report was not taken seriously?Will the CBI examine why the focus of the RailwayChintan Shivir was not safety but revenue? Will the CBI answer why vacancies are not filled up, and why loco pilots are over-burdened? Does the CBI have the technical expertise to investigate systems failure?”

Blaming the media for shielding the government instead of seeking accountability and finding reasons for the accident, Shrinate said it was clear the government was not interested in finding the truth.

“Once again, the Narendra Modi government is shifting focus away from its own failures. Safety of passengers is not a priority of this government; their priorities are wrong.”