Another attempt to derail a goods train was thwarted in Rajasthan’s Ajmer. Unidentified individuals placed two cement blocks, each weighing approximately 70 kg, on the rail track along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. The train, despite hitting the cement blocks, managed to continue its journey without suffering any damage.
The incident took place at around 10:30 PM between Saradhna and Bangad stations on the Phulera-Ahmedabad stretch of the corridor. Railway employees received initial information about a cement block placed on the tracks, which was later found to have been broken upon inspection. During a subsequent search, a second cement block was discovered some distance away on the same track. Following the discovery, the local police launched an investigation and registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Railway Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The authorities are probing the incident to identify and apprehend the culprits. The North Western Railway, responsible for the area where the incident occurred, confirmed that a case had been registered and that steps were being taken to ensure the safety of the railway network.
The act of placing heavy cement blocks on railway tracks poses a serious risk to both freight and passenger trains, which can result in potentially catastrophic consequences. Railway authorities have increased vigilance and stepped up safety protocols across the region to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Similar Sabotage Attempt in Uttar Pradesh
The Ajmer incident occurred just hours after another attempted sabotage involving the Kalindi Express train in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. On September 8 evening, an LPG cylinder, along with petrol bottles and matchboxes, was found placed on the railway tracks in an attempt to derail the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express.
The incident unfolded around 8:20 PM when the high-speed train, traveling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, struck the LPG cylinder. Thanks to the quick reflexes of the alert loco pilot, the train was brought to an emergency stop. Authorities found other suspicious items at the site, including petrol bottles and matchboxes, leading investigators to believe it was a deliberate act of sabotage.
The quick response of the loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes upon spotting the obstruction, helped prevent a derailment, though the train did hit the cylinder, dislodging it from the tracks. The train was halted briefly for inspection and then resumed its journey. Local police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and forensic experts are investigating the incident, which suggests planned sabotage.
Six suspects, including local history-sheeters, were detained by the Kanpur Police in connection with the incident. The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter further, with additional assistance from Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Investigators are also exploring potential connections between this case and the derailment of the Sabarmati Express, which occurred in Kanpur just weeks earlier.
Sabarmati Express Derailment under review
Less than a month before these two incidents, the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur after its engine hit an object placed on the tracks. In this case, 20 coaches of the train derailed, but fortunately, all passengers were safely rescued and no casualties were reported.
Authorities have yet to rule out the possibility of sabotage in the Sabarmati Express incident and are examining whether the same group or individuals were responsible for all three incidents. The Kanpur Police and other investigative agencies are closely studying the pattern and modus operandi of these incidents to uncover any possible links.
Following the Kanpur sabotage attempt, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned the acts, stating that some individuals and organisations are attempting to incite chaos and unrest in the country. Speaking to the media on September 9, Bhatia praised the efforts of law enforcement and warned that the country, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, would not tolerate such conspiracies.
“This is a matter of concern that there are some people and organisations who, in their greed for power, want the country to witness riots and anarchy. Tough action has been taken against such acts, and strict action will be taken in the future as well,” Bhatia stated,
