In a first-of-its kind action, the forest officials in Assam have 'arrested' a railway engine for killing an elephant and its calf. Fast moving railway trains have mowed down several elephants on the tracks passing through deep jungles. The forest department has always raised concerns about this. As part of its efforts to sensitise the railway drivers, it seized the engine of a goods train which is responsible for the death of an elephant and its calf.
Assam's forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya has announced this on Tuesday. The railways themselves have conducted an inquiry and have suspended the pilot and his assistant for not stopping the train even after sighting the elephants crossing the railway track. The incident occurred in the Lumding section in Central Assam.
The engine would now be kept in 'confinement' for a period of 45 days by the forest department officials. The railway authorities will have to give access to the forest officials to inspect the railway engine whenever asked for.
Assam's forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya has announced this on Tuesday. The railways themselves have conducted an inquiry and have suspended the pilot and his assistant for not stopping the train even after sighting the elephants crossing the railway track. The incident occurred in the Lumding section in Central Assam.
The engine would now be kept in 'confinement' for a period of 45 days by the forest department officials. The railway authorities will have to give access to the forest officials to inspect the railway engine whenever asked for.