Key Points
- NIA is investigating four recent train derailments for possible sabotage.
- Items found on the tracks include gas cylinders and cement blocks.
- No clear evidence of sabotage has been found so far.
- Railways Minister stressed the need for heightened alertness and teamwork between agencies.
Looma News
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has kicked off an initial enquiry into possible sabotage related to recent train accidents. Officials confirmed they are looking into at least four cases connected to this issue.
So far, there hasn’t been any solid proof of sabotage in these incidents. However, various items discovered on the railway tracks suggest someone might be trying to disrupt train operations and put passengers at risk. These items include empty gas cylinders, cement blocks, and boulders.
On October 9, a goods train heading to Kundanganj, Uttar Pradesh, hit a cement block on the Raebareli-Prayagraj railway line. The train driver hit the emergency brakes but couldn’t stop damage to the engine.
Earlier, on September 22, a goods train’s driver found an empty gas cylinder on the tracks, forcing the train to stop near Prempur Railway Station in Kanpur. There was also an attempt to derail the Kalindi Express on September 8, where someone placed an LPG cylinder on the tracks, along with petrol and matchboxes, indicating a possible sabotage effort.
On August 17, twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express went off the rails after the engine hit something on the track, but luckily, no one was hurt. The driver reported that a boulder hit the engine’s cattle guard, causing significant damage.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that discussions are ongoing with state governments and law enforcement to boost security against sabotage attempts. He promised that strict actions would be taken against anyone involved in these incidents and noted concerning trends that require thorough investigations into derailments.
