In a disturbing incident that nearly resulted in a major railway disaster, two youths have been arrested in Farrukhabad for placing a wooden log on the railway tracks, endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers. Among the arrested is Dev Singh Rajput, the son of Kamlesh Kumar, a prominent farmer leader from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lokshakti). The incident, which occurred on the night of August 24, 2024, comes at a time of heightened security concerns following recent threats from Pakistani terrorist outfits.
On the night of August 24, Dev Singh Rajput and Monty Kashyap placed a large wooden log on the Kasganj-Farrukhabad railway line near Bhatsa Halt. According to police, the youths were intoxicated and found the log among fallen mango trees in the area. They placed it on the tracks intending to cause a derailment and gain notoriety.
Moments later, a train passed over the log, which got stuck in the engine. The alert loco pilot applied emergency brakes, preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident. The wood was subsequently removed, allowing the train to proceed, averting a major disaster involving hundreds of passengers.
During police interrogation, Rajput and Kashyap confessed that they had intended to derail the train as a means to gain fame. Both are residents of Ariyara village. “They planned to flee to Delhi if their plan had failed to cause significant damage, but were apprehended before they could execute their escape,” a police official stated.
The incident is particularly alarming as it coincides with renewed threats from Pakistani terrorist Farhatullah Gori, who recently released a video urging sleeper cells in India to target railway infrastructure. Gori’s video specifically mentioned the use of pressure cooker bombs and other methods to derail trains, and he also called for attacks on petroleum pipelines. Following these threats, security agencies have been on high alert, and incidents like the one in Farrukhabad underscore the urgent need for vigilance.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw condemned the act, calling it part of a troubling trend. “This is a serious issue, and we are conducting a thorough investigation of each incident. There is a concerning trend in several cases. The railways and defence are institutions above politics, and any negative incidents in these sectors should see cooperation from the government, opposition, and media. We are trying to ensure the normal functioning of the railways,” he said.
A Pattern of Sabotage
This incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of sabotage attempts across India. In recent months, similar attempts to derail trains have been reported in other parts of the country:
Rajasthan: A plot to derail the Vande Bharat train was uncovered, where cement blocks were placed on the tracks. The timely intervention of railway officials prevented a potential disaster.
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh: Another alarming incident involved the placement of concrete blocks and iron wheels on the railway tracks. A youth named Ehsaan was arrested for his involvement in the act, which was similarly aimed at causing a train derailment.
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: YouTuber Gulzar Sheikh, was arrested by state police for endangering the lives of passengers by placing various objects, including cycles, soaps, and stones, on railway tracks after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) registered a formal complaint against him.
Earlier Cases: In 2017, a derailment in Kanpur, resulting in over 150 deaths, was linked to sabotage by foreign agents. Similarly, in 2021, explosives were found on tracks in Bihar, intended to disrupt train services.
In response to these incidents, the Railway Ministry has intensified security protocols across the country, with increased patrolling on sensitive routes and closer monitoring of railway tracks. Minister Vaishnaw emphasised the need for a united approach to safeguard the nation’s rail network, urging all political entities and the media to support efforts in protecting the country’s critical infrastructure.
The arrests in Farrukhabad serve as a grim reminder of the ever-present threats facing India’s railway system. As security agencies continue their investigations, the need for public awareness and vigilance remains paramount in thwarting future attempts at railway sabotage.
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