Gross negligence behind Dibrugarh Rajdhani derailment: Lalu

Says incident is the first in Chhapra region, slams Centre for being busy in 'celebrating their win'

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav blamed the "gross negligence" of the Railway Ministry and Central government for the derailment of the Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express near Chhapra junction.

Terming the incident as the first in that region, the former railway minister accused the "Central government of still being busy in celebrating their win."

Yadav said, "This is a rule that a patrol engine is run half-an-hour before Rajdhani Express passes to make sure that the line is clear and safe."

He asked, "I want to know whether the patrol engine was run or not? And if Maoists had announced blockade much earlier then why were no precautions taken?"

Yadav termed the incident quite painful and heart wrenching, adding "heavy losses were incurred by the Railway Ministry and people.