Three Train Sabotage Attempts Uncovered In Single Day: Iron Rods Found On Tracks In Punjab's Bathinda, LPG Cylinder In Kanpur

On the same day an LPG cylinder was found lying on the railway tracks near Perambur Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, Government Railway Police (GRP) in Punjab's Bathinda recovered nine iron rods from the Delhi-Bathinda Express railway tracks.

Authorities have observed an increasing trend of foreign objects being placed on tracks, raising concerns about potential sabotage. The GRP has filed a case against unknown individuals and launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the incident.

According to Investigating Officer Shavinder Kumar, "Nine iron rods were found at the scene on Sunday (22 September), and a case has been registered. Further investigation is underway."

In recent months, several similar incidents have been reported across the country, with miscreants placing suspicious items along railway tracks. Investigators suspect that these actions may be part of a larger conspiracy to derail trains.

In Kanpur, a major train accident was averted as the loco pilot detected the LPG cylinder in front of a goods train and swiftly applied the brakes. According to the police, the incident occurred at 8:10 am when the train was going to Allahabad from Kanpur.

On the same day, another 'attempt at mischief' was reported from Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam where railway 'detonators' were found on tracks on 18 September when an Army special train was passing through.

Additionally, on September 20, the loco pilot of the Doon Express in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district prevented another potential disaster by stopping the train after spotting iron rods on the tracks. Authorities believe this could also be an act of sabotage.

On 10 September, the Indian Railways said that there have been 18 attempts to derail trains nationwide since August, India Today reported.

Since June 2023, a total of 24 such incidents have occurred, with objects like LPG cylinders, bicycles, iron rods, and cement blocks being found on rail tracks.

According to the Railways, of the 19 incidents, 15 took place in August and four in September, including the latest train derailment attempt in Kanpur.