Laloo at work: Suspends engineer for derailment

Six coaches of the Guwahati-Ledo Intercity Express derailed around noon today between Margherita and Ledo stations. Sources said that most passengers had disembarked at Tinsukia station, so the train was almost empty. ‘‘This, fortunately, prevented any injuries or casualties,’’ the official added.

Laloo took serious note of the incident and ordered suspension of the junior engineer, in-charge of carriage and wagon maintenance, for dereliction of duty. Though both railways and the local police are investigating the accident, sources said sabotage was ruled out. ‘‘Heavy rains in the area may have caused the accident. But then there was all the more reason for the maintenance staff to be extra alert,’’ said a source.

Railway Ministry’s official spokesperson said Laloo had ordered that no slackness or dereliction of duty would be tolerated. He reiterated that trains must run on time and must be clean.