Odisha police on Sunday warned of severe legal action against those who are trying to give a communal colour to the Balasore triple-train accident.
The warning was issued after the police found that a Twitter user called "The Random Indian (@randomsena)" had shared an aerial view of the Bahanaga train accident site with an arrow directed towards a white building along with the caption: "Just saying Yesterday was Friday.” The building is a temple.
Reacting to it, Odisha police tweeted: "It has come to notice that some social media handles are mischievously giving communal colour to the tragic train accident at Balasore. This is highly unfortunate. Investigation by the GRP, Odisha into the cause and all other aspects of the accident is going on.”
It added: “We appeal to all concerned to desist from circulating such false and ill-motivated posts. Severe legal action will be initiated against those who are trying to create communal disharmony by spreading rumours.”
Twitter users also reacted to the post of Random Indian (@randomsena), with one saying: "Highly unfortunate that some hatemonger is trying to mislead people during such a big tragedy. Where have we reached? Strong action should be taken against the handle spreading fake news hatred.”
Free bus services to Calcutta
Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced free bus service from Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Calcutta from Sunday.
“In view of the disruption of normal train service to Calcutta caused by the Bahanaga train tragedy, people are facing a lot of difficulties to reach Calcutta. So keeping in view the greater benefit of the commuters, the arrangement has been made. This arrangement will continue till the restoration of normal train service on the Balasore route,” an official said.
Around 50 buses will provide transport service to Calcutta daily from the three cities of Odisha.
The entire cost will be met by the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
Naveen also announced ex gratia for the victims of the Bahanaga train tragedy.
SUBHASHISH MOHANTY
