Amar Kumar Rao was killed during a maneuver operation at Barauni Junction in Bihar.

New Delhi:

A preliminary investigation by the Indian Railways has found that a worker was crushed to death at the Barauni Junction station in Bihar after “poor coordination” between two individuals during a shunting operation.

The Railways, after reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements, held Inspector Mohammed Suleman responsible for wrongfully giving a signal to the locomotive, leading to the death of Amar Kumar.

After 15204 Lucknow-Barauni train arrived at the station at 8.10 am on November 9, Mr. Suleman and Mr. Kumar were sent to detach the engine. During the task, the latter got stuck between the engine and the power car after the former gave wrong signals to the locomotive pilot, a report signed by five railway officers said.

After onlookers raised an alarm, the train driver allegedly exited the train and fled the scene, failing to reverse the engine or take any action to prevent the accident.

Almost two hours later, the engine and power car were detached and the body was removed.

Mr Kumar’s family has sought legal action against Mr Suleman

However, Mr. Suleman defended himself in his written statement and held the locomotive driver responsible for the accident. He said he and Mr. Kumar disconnected the engine and electric car by detaching the center buffer coupling — a device that connects the engine to a coach.

He also said that the engine moved a little away from the power car and when Mr. Kumar went to close the buffer coupling, the driver reversed the engine without any hand signal from him (Suleman).

According to railway officials, another higher-level investigation has also been ordered.

With PTI inputs