Five catering workers have been apprehended by the police after a tragic fire incident in a train coach resulted in casualties, including the loss of nine lives. The unfortunate incident took place at Madurai railway station on August 26. The victims, who were en route to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, had embarked on a pilgrimage from Lucknow a week prior. They were part of a private party coach arranged by a tour operator. In total, the coach accommodated 64 passengers, comprising pilgrims, the tour organizer, and the five now-arrested catering workers.
The detained workers, who hail from Uttar Pradesh, had accompanied a group of pilgrims from the same state. After an extensive questioning period by the Government Railway Police, they were presented before a court. Subsequently, they were remanded in judicial custody until September 11.
The accused are facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including IPC section 304 Part-II for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and IPC section 285 for negligence. Additionally, they have been charged under Section 164 of The Railways Act for unlawfully bringing dangerous goods on the train—a reference to their unauthorized storage and usage of a cooking gas cylinder within the compartment, PTI reported.
The individuals arrested include a 19-year-old, two men in their mid-20s, and two others aged 47 and 61.
While most survivors have returned to their homes in Uttar Pradesh, one injured pilgrim is currently under medical care in a local hospital.
A comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway, led by Commissioner of Railway Safety (Southern Circle) A M Chowdhary. Expected to conclude within a month.
