Puri train arson case: NIA undertakes ‘Simulation Exercise’

BHUBANESWAR: As a part of the ongoing probe into the train burning incident at Puri railway station on November 12, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday launched a ‘Simulation Exercise’ to gather more information in regards to the case. The exercise will be conducted again on Monday.

The NIA is trying to ascertain how the fire broke out, and involvement of the accused along with the prime accused Ramchandran Subash. Apart from that, NIA is also trying to establish and gather information on how the fire engulfed one train after another, sources said.

Accused  Ramchandran Subash was taken to the spot to recount the incident, in the presence top cops including NIA SP, sources added.

The NIA officials had written to the district collector seeking cooperation in the exercise. The investigating agency also sought help from a team of doctors and an ambulance to make the exercise successful, stated reports.

Notably, a major fire broke out at Puri Station on November 12, in which two coaches each of Nandankanan Express and Tirupati Express and one coach of Puri-Howrah Express were reduced to ashes even though there were no casualties. Police arrested Ramachandra from the spot with a knife, a blade and a match box. The State Government on November 26  had written to the Center for a National Investigative Agency (NIA) probe into the incident given its complexity.