Kalindi Express News: A major train accident was narrowly avoided after an alert loco pilot managed to stop the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express just in time, preventing a potential catastrophe. The train, which was speeding through Kanpur, hit an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks around 8:20 pm on Sunday, police reported. Further investigations at the site revealed a bottle of petrol, matchboxes, and 4-5 grams of explosive powder, raising suspicions of a sabotage attempt.
Kanpur Police have detained six individuals, including two local history-sheeters, as multiple agencies, including the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), probe the incident, news agency PTI reported. An FIR has been lodged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chander stated that the loco pilot's quick response was crucial in averting disaster. "The train hit the cylinder, knocking it off the tracks before coming to a halt," Chander explained, quoted by PTI. He added that the train was stopped at Bilhaur station for further inspection.
The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the matter and are exploring potential links with the recent Sabarmati Express derailment in Kanpur. The Sabarmati Express had derailed near Govindpuri station after its engine hit an object placed on the track. The involvement of anti-social elements in both incidents is under scrutiny.
Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar assured, "All our senior officers have visited the spot and we are taking this matter seriously. We will inform the media as soon as more facts emerge."
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Bureau, NIA, and UP ATS have intensified their investigations, with the Local Intelligence Unit also stepping up information gathering. The investigators have been instructed to question individuals from nearby areas, including members of certain groups, to rule out any possible connections to the incident. ATS's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nilabja Chowdhry emphasised that every angle would be thoroughly investigated.
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Kalindi Express ‘Sabotage’: Union Minister Giriraj Singh Alleges ‘Direct Attempt At Creating Another Godhra-Like Situation’
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, speaking to news agency IANS, likened the incident to the Godhra tragedy, stating, "This Kalindi Express incident was a direct attempt at creating another Godhra-like situation. The presence of gas cylinders, explosives, matches, and petrol all point to this being another Godhra incident."
Giriraj Singh is referring to the 2002 Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat on 27 February 2002 when a coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire at the Godhra railway station, resulting in the deaths of scores of Hindu pilgrims, including women and children, who were returning from Ayodhya. The incident sparked widespread communal riots across Gujarat, leading to a large number of deaths.
During a presser, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned the act, asserting, "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."
BSP chief Mayawati called for strict action, stating that a high-level investigation is essential to maintain public and rail safety. "It is satisfying that the conspiracy to cause a train accident by placing gas cylinders etc. on the railway track in Kanpur failed. After a high-level investigation, strict action against the culprits is necessary so that public and rail safety is maintained," she stated on X.
The investigation continues, with forensic experts examining the explosive powder and authorities analysing mobile tower data from the last six days to trace the perpetrators. A police team has also been dispatched to Kannauj after a sweet box was found near the site.