Kanpur-like attempt to derail train in Rajasthan's Ajmer
What's the story
An attempt to derail a fully loaded goods train in Ajmer district of Rajasthan was thwarted on Sunday. The perpetrators reportedly placed two cement blocks, each weighing around 70kg, on the tracks of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. A North Western Railway official confirmed that a goods train did collide with these blocks but fortunately no mishap occurred.
Investigation underway
Incident details and ongoing investigation
The incident occurred between Saradhna and Bangad stations on the Phulera-Ahmedabad stretch of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. A freight corridor official has confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is currently underway. This attempt to derail a train in Ajmer follows a similar incident in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur where an LPG cylinder was placed on tracks, potentially as part of a sabotage bid.
Kanpur case
Similar incident in Kanpur, 6 detained
In the Kanpur incident, a major train accident was narrowly avoided thanks to an alert loco pilot who brought the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express to a halt after hitting an LPG cylinder placed on tracks. The police reported finding a bottle of petrol and matchboxes at the site, suggesting a possible sabotage attempt. Six individuals, including two local history sheeters, have been detained by Kanpur Police in connection with this case.
Investigation progress
Special Investigation Team formed, evidence recovered
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the Kanpur incident. The SIT will also examine any potential similarities with the recent Sabarmati Express derailment in Kanpur. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Harish Chander, reported that 4-5gm of explosive powder, a bottle filled with petrol and a wick, matchboxes and an LPG cylinder were recovered from the tracks.