Ahmedabad, Jan 20: A day after seven persons were killed and several others injured in a tragic ropeway accident in Pavagadh mountain, a criminal case was registered today against the private company which operated the ropeway. "We have registered a criminal case under various sections of IPC against Usha Breco Ltd and are proceeding with our investigation into the incident", Panchamahals superintendent of police Narsimha Komar told a news agency here.

A team of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts from Ahmedabad as well as the chief electrical inspector from lifts and escalators department of the Gujarat government would conduct a probe into all the aspects of the cable car crash, he said. "Only after the probe by these two teams it will be known whether it was an accident, a sabotage or negligence by the company", Komar said.

Meanwhile, a local FSL team has already reached the spot for preliminary investigation, he said. Seven persons, including two women and a five-year old boy were killed and nearly 45 injured when three of the ten cable cars of the 700 mts long ropeway, leading to famous Mahakali Temple atop Pavagadh mountain, collapsed on Sunday afternoon.

Army, air force, police and local administration were pressed into emergency services, leading to rescue of atleast 50 others during seven-hour long operation, who were trapped in seven cable cars, dangling in mid air. Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the accident and Chief Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the kin of deceased.

Bureau Report