GRP to probe negligence angle in workers’ death

Mumbai: Following the death of three women contract laborers on Western Railway tracks near Malad station on Saturday afternoon, the Government Railway Police (GRP) is now probing possible negligence on the part of motorman or contractor that might have led to the untoward incident.

Bandra-Indore holiday special train hit four women near Malad station while they were walking the stretch at around 12:20 pm after completing maintenance related work on the railway tracks.

While Anita Bhaiyyalal Shinde (32), Jaya Raju Khatawase (35) and Shivani Gajanan Bhoryalay (18) died in the accident, Sunita Gajanan Bhoryalay (35) survived and is recuperating in Kandivali’s Shatabadi Hospital.

The labourers were part of a group of 60 workers who were hired on contract for track maintenance work.

The GRP officials have now recorded the statements of husbands of three of the victims, who were walking few meters behind the women. They recounted the horror of witnessing the accident as the special holiday train came towards them from behind.

In their police statements, the men said that the whole incident happened in a few seconds even as they tried to alert the women. The group of 60 was earlier walking on the adjacent track where they saw a Churchgate bound train coming towards them, prompting them to shift to the track. The tragic incident took place among the chaos.

The men were at a distance and tried to raise the alarm to get the women off the fifth tracks on which the special holiday train was coming, however, within seconds, the fast-moving train knocked them down.

“We have also sent the application to the railways seeking details of motorman and guard’s version into the incident. If anything unlawful is found during the course of the investigation, further action will be taken,” said Shailendra Dhiwar, senior inspector of Borivali GRP.