INDIAN TRAIN SMASH

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 244, 16 July 1928, Page 9

INDIAN TRAIN SMASH

WERE FACTS SUPPRESSED? Delhi, July 13. There is intense indignation among Europeans over the publication in the chief Nationalist newspaper, “Forward,” of letters from eye-witnesses alleging that the true death-roll of the rail smash which occurred outside Howrah last Monday was deliberately concealed.

“The dead and wounded were treated worse than dogs by the relief train party,” says “Forward.” “The wounded were searched and killed, and where a cry arose from the wreckage a European came with a light, after which there was a sound of heavy blows and the voice ceased.” The writer offers to prove that the dead numbered more than three hundred instead of twenty, as reported. He adds that the dying were dispatched with rods, and many of the dead and wounded were conveyed to an unknown destination.

It was reported last week that the most serious accident in recent years on the East Indian Railways occurred on July 8, eight miles outside Howrah. “Already thirteen are dead, and thirtytwo are injured.” said the cablegram. “The cause of the accident was the derailment of the egine near a culvert, resulting in the front brake van and two passenger carriages being telescoped. The locality is within the strike area, and the theory that it was the work of strikers is being examined.” A later cablegram declared that the smash was due to sabotage, which was definitely proved, as 120 to 130 feet of the rails had been removed. “The revised casuallties number IS dead and 32 injured, all Indians,” concluded the message.