Who is JE Amir Khan, suspect in Odisha train accident that left 292 people dead?

On June 19, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sealed off the rented house of Junior Engineer (JE) Amir Khan, a suspect in the Odisha triple train tragedy that the CBI is currently investigating.

Khan's house, located near the Annapurna Rice Mill in Soro, was found locked when the CBI team arrived and was subsequently sealed. The triple train accident occurred on June 2 in Bahanaga, claiming the lives of 292 passengers and injuring more than a thousand.

Before sealing off Khan's house, the CBI had already questioned him at an undisclosed location. However, Khan and his family had disappeared from the rented house. On June 16, the CBI temporarily left Balasore after conducting an investigation on the spot, but returned on Monday. During its investigation, the CBI also visited the home of the Bahanaga stationmaster, and two CBI members are reportedly monitoring the facility.

The role of a Junior Signal Engineer (JE) at Indian Railways involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of signaling equipment, including point machines, interlocking systems, and signals. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of train services.

Railway officials have raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage, suggesting that the train accident may have been due to interference with the electronic interlocking system. According to Khurda Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Rinkesh Roy, a green signal is only displayed when all preconditions are met, such as correct route setup. Any minor problem would cause the signal to turn red, making it impossible for it to display green unless someone has physically tampered with it.

Who is JE Amir Khan?

Amir Khan, a Junior Engineer (JE) working for Indian Railways, resides near the Annapurna Rice Mill in Soro. Khan has recently come under scrutiny as a suspect in the Odisha triple train tragedy, currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Amir Khan, along with his family members, is reportedly missing since the triple train tragedy occurred near Bahanaga railway station on June 2.

The CBI took action on June 19 by sealing off Khan's rented house, which is very close to the Annapurna Rice Mill.

The investigation of the train accident was handed over to the CBI on June 6 and a FIR (First Information Report) has been filed in the case. The electronic interlocking system installed in the stations provides crucial information about the status of the trains.

Railway officials initially raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage, which led to the involvement of the CBI. According to official sources mentioned by WION, five railway employees are currently under investigation by the CBI.

Keep Reading

• 3.7 litres of water used to make one cigarette
• What makes Oman’s Yiti a sustainable city?
• Clean energy manufacturing market to reach $790B by 2030: IEA

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].