Balasore Train Tragedy: CBI to Oversee Cremation of 28 Unclaimed Bodies

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will cremate 28 unclaimed bodies from the tragic Bahanaga train mishap with the presence of CBI officials, announced BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange.

“The BMC will oversee the cremation of these unidentified bodies, following a request from the Khordha district Collector,” Kulange explained.

The AIIMS Bhubaneswar administration has been approached to release the bodies for cremation. The CBI officers are expected to arrive in the coming days. Once they are on site, the BMC and the police will proceed with the cremation.

The cremation process will adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the cremation of unidentified bodies. It will involve the traditional method of cremation using firewood.

The final decision regarding the crematorium location is anticipated within two days, with options including Satyanagar crematorium, Bharatpur crematorium, and others being considered.

The tragic train mishap occurred on June 2, claiming 290 lives. The incident unfolded when the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express collided with a stationary goods train at Bahanaga Bazaar station in Odisha’s Balasore district. Subsequently, some of the derailed coaches collided with the Yeshvantpur Express heading to Howrah from the opposite direction.