Annexure – 15
CLEARANCE BY STATE POLICE
INCASE OF RAILWAY ACCIDENTS DUE TO SUSPECTED SABOTAGE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi-110001.
No.2002/Sec.(Cr.)/45/47 March, 27,
2003.
The General Managers
Sub : Clearance by State Police incase of railway accidents
due to suspected sabotage.
Ref : Ministry of
Home affairs’ letter No. VI-24022/11/2002-PM-I
dt.24-12-2002 addressed to Home Secretaries of all States (copy
enclosed).
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- The issue of expeditious
clearance by the State Policy in case of Railway accidents, where sabotage
is suspected, has been engaging Ministry of Railways (Railway Board)’s
attention for a long time. It is noticed that sometimes rescue operations
are hampered due to delayed and reluctant clearance by the State Police.
- It is pertinent to mention
that there are two different tasks to be accomplished on war footing after
a railway accident involving human lives is concerned i.e. (a) Quick
Rescue Operation; and (b) Restoration of Rail Traffic. It is clarified
that incase of railway accidents, permission of the State Government or
clearance of the police is not required for launching rescue operations
for the purpose of saving human lives which inter alia may also involve
handing/shifting the rolling stock (locomotives, wagons and coaches) for
extricating the trapped passengers. However, police clearance is required
for restoration works at the site of accident, if sabotage is suspected.
- To avoid any delay in
launching the rescue operations for saving as many human lives as possible
and for early restoration of rail traffic, the above issue has been taken
up with the Ministry or Home Affairs. Consequently, Ministry of Home
Affairs vide their letter ibid have directed the Home Secretaries of all
States to issue suitable instructions to the concerned authorities for
taking prompt action and to expedite clearance certificate in the event of
a rail accident, when sabotage is suspected.
- The contents of this letter
may be widely published among the railway officers/staff and displayed in
all ARTs/ARMEs so that a general awareness created amongst all those
engaged in rescue activities.
- This letter supersedes the
Railway Board’s letter of even number dt.7.2.2003.
Sd/-
(ATUL PATHAK)
Director/Crime Prevention
Railway Board.