NIA Begins Probe Into Possible 'Sabotage' In 4 Train Derailment Cases, Official Says ‘Nothing Concrete So Far’

In the past two months, several incidents involving empty gas cylinders, cement sleepers, and boulders were deliberately placed on railway tracks to kill people and damage railway infrastructure.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a preliminary inquiry to explore potential sabotage in recent train derailments and accidents. The anti-terror agency officials are currently investigating at least four such cases, officials said on Friday.

According to a report by news agency PTI, the officials stated that not much concrete evidence has been discovered so far to confirm the sabotage attempts in these train derailments/accidents.

In the past two months, several incidents have been reported involving empty gas cylinders, cement sleepers, and boulders deliberately placed on railway tracks, hinting at efforts to damage railway infrastructure and endanger passengers.

On October 9, a goods train en route to Kundanganj in Uttar Pradesh, collided with a cement sleeper placed on the Raebareli-Prayagraj section. Although the driver applied emergency brakes, the engine’s cattle guard struck the object.

Similarly, on September 22, a loco pilot spotted an empty gas cylinder on the tracks near Prempur Railway Station in Kanpur and stopped the train in time by applying emergency brakes.

Another incident took place on September 8, when an LPG cylinder was placed on the tracks to derail the Kalindi Express travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani. A petrol bottle and matchboxes found at the scene suggested an attempted sabotage.

On August 17, Twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur. The incident occurred after its engine hit an object placed on the track.

The loco pilot of the train explained that some boulders hit the cattle guard of the engine resulting in severe damage and bent. Unfortunately, there were no casualties reported in the derailment that took place between Kanpur and Bhimsen railway stations at around 2.35 AM.

Railway Administration Remains Vigilant Against Potential 'Sabotage': Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that the railway administration remains vigilant against potential sabotage attempts. Discussions are ongoing with authorities, including the NIA and state police, to address the issue.

"There is dialogue going on with state governments, Directors General of Police (DGPs), and home secretaries. The NIA is also involved. Strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to cause such an accident. This is our resolve," he had said, news agency PTI reported.

Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the disturbing trends that emerged in some incidents and assured that a detailed inquiry into each incident is being carried out. The response came over the questions on the incident of derailment of trains due to the placement of boulders and rods on the railway tracks.