A major tragedy was narrowly averted on September 8, morning when an attempt to derail the Kalindi Express, traveling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani, was thwarted. Authorities discovered an LPG cylinder, petrol-filled bottles, and matchboxes on the railway tracks near Muderi village, located between Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations on the Kanpur-Kasganj route. The quick action of the train crew prevented a potential disaster, and a full investigation is now underway to apprehend those responsible for the dangerous act.
The Kalindi Express was en route to Bhiwani from Prayagraj when the loco pilot noticed an LPG cylinder placed directly on the tracks near the Shivrajpur area in Kanpur district. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chandra, the loco pilot acted swiftly, applying emergency brakes as soon as he spotted the obstruction. Despite the brakes being engaged, the train hit the cylinder, but fortunately, it was dislodged from the tracks due to the impact, preventing any derailment.
Senior police officials received information about the incident around 8:20 a.m. and rushed to the site. The quick actions of the train crew were credited with averting what could have been a disastrous outcome.
The train crew’s timely response played a crucial role in preventing a major accident. After spotting the cylinder, the loco pilot immediately notified the guard and gateman, ensuring a coordinated response. The train came to a halt just after hitting the cylinder, which was thrown off the tracks by the impact. The train remained stationed at the site for approximately 20 minutes, after which it was allowed to continue its journey. However, it was stopped again at Bilhaur station for further inspection.
Authorities have recovered a damaged LPG cylinder, along with a bottle of petrol and matchboxes, further indicating foul play. The discovery of these materials has raised serious concerns about the intent behind the incident, as the combination of an LPG cylinder, petrol, and matchboxes suggests a planned sabotage.
The local police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and forensic experts were immediately called to the scene to investigate the matter. Forensic teams are examining the recovered materials to gather further evidence, while the RPF is working closely with the police to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this attempted derailment.
Additional Commissioner Harish Chandra assured the public that strict action will be taken against those involved. “Efforts are being made to identify the culprits, and they will be dealt with sternly,” he stated.
This incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of India’s railway infrastructure, especially in light of recent threats to public safety. The Kalindi Express incident has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced surveillance and security measures along vulnerable stretches of railway tracks, particularly in rural and less monitored areas.
The Railway Ministry has been informed of the attempted derailment, and further security measures are expected to be implemented to ensure the safety of passengers and trains on this route.
The attempted sabotage has left the local community in shock. Residents near the Muderi village crossing, where the explosives were found, have expressed concerns about safety in the area. Many are calling for increased patrolling and heightened security on railway tracks to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, railway authorities have commended the loco pilot and train crew for their vigilance and quick thinking, which helped prevent a major tragedy. The RPF and local police have launched a joint operation to gather intelligence and track down any suspects linked to the incident. Legal action will be taken once the culprits are apprehended, with strict penalties expected given the severity of the crime.
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