Just two days after the shocking attempt to derail the Sabarmati Express in Kanpur, another disturbing incident has come to light, this time involving a goods train in Aligarh. Authorities have uncovered a plot to derail the train, potentially causing significant harm. The investigation revealed that an alloy wheel from a motorcycle had been deliberately placed on the tracks, seemingly intended to cause the train to derail.
The incident came to the attention of the authorities on the morning of August 20, 2024, when a goods train was passing through Talaspur village on the third line at around 7:45 AM. Thanks to the reduced speed of the train, a potential disaster was averted. The train collided with the alloy wheel, triggering the emergency brakes and bringing the train to a halt just in time. This quick response likely prevented a major accident.
Upon receiving the report, security personnel were promptly alerted, and an investigation was launched. ASI Dheeraj from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), along with his team, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. During their inspection, they discovered the motorcycle’s alloy wheel hidden inside a plastic sack near the tracks. Additionally, several broken pieces were found scattered nearby. A detailed report was subsequently prepared and submitted to higher authorities, who then ordered an intensified search for those responsible.
Initially, investigators speculated that the sabotage could be the work of a motorcycle theft gang. Such groups are known to steal bikes and dismantle them for parts, possibly intending for the tire to break into pieces during the process. However, the investigation took a significant turn when a suspect, identified as Afsan, was named in connection with the incident. According to reports from Times Now, Afsan is a resident of Kailpur and is now the primary suspect in the conspiracy to derail the goods train.
With Afsan now in custody, security personnel are preparing to conduct further interrogations to uncover the full extent of the plot. Depending on the outcome of these interrogations, the police may be notified to register a formal case against him.
This alarming discovery in Aligarh follows closely on the heels of the attempted sabotage of the Sabarmati Express in Kanpur. In that incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the express train derailed after colliding with a heavy object placed on the tracks, resulting in the derailment of 22 coaches. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of railway operations, prompting heightened vigilance across the region.
Authorities continue to investigate whether these incidents are connected or if they represent a broader, coordinated effort to target the railway system. The swift response by the RPF in Aligarh likely prevented what could have been another tragic event.
