The near-miss incident took place on 9th September when a major accident involving the Kalindi Express (14117), running on the Anwarganj-Kasganj Route in Kanpur, was narrowly avoided. The loco pilot’s alertness and quick action were instrumental in preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy. The train was brought to a halt after the pilot detected a suspicious sound—a gas cylinder striking the train, which had been deliberately placed on the tracks in an apparent attempt to cause the train’s derailment.

It was in the Barrajpur-Bilhaur region that the Kalindi Express was saved, thanks to the loco pilot’s swift application of the emergency brake. This prompt response halted the train’s movement, averting what could have been a massive loss of life and damage. While no passengers were harmed, the potential catastrophe highlighted the seriousness of the attempt and the risk posed by individuals seeking to wreak havoc.

The Rail Authorities, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), swiftly responded to the alarming incident involving the attempted derailment of the Kalindi Express. After thorough assessment, it was confirmed that a deliberate attempt had indeed been made to cause the derailment of the train. Apart from the gas cylinder, which played a central role in the plot, the authorities recovered other suspicious items from the scene, including glass bottles, a matchbox, and a suspicious bag. These discoveries further emphasized the seriousness of the attempt, suggesting a well-planned effort to disrupt the train's journey and potentially cause a major disaster.

The loco pilot, acting with commendable speed and presence of mind, immediately informed guard Rajiv Kumar about the dangerous situation after applying the emergency brakes. Following the pilot’s critical alert, Rajiv Kumar promptly sent a memo to the office, officially notifying them about the presence of the gas cylinder on the tracks. This memo initiated an urgent investigation, as authorities scrambled to uncover the full extent of the sabotage attempt and assess the immediate risk to the railway system and its passengers.

During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered additional signs of tampering along the railway track. Marks resembling the rubbing of an iron-like object were found, further indicating foul play. In response, Kannauj’s RPF Inspector OP Meena took charge of examining the railway track and its surrounding area. Using a searchlight, he thoroughly scanned the nearby bushes and other hidden spots along the route, ensuring that no other threats remained undetected.

RPF Assistant Commandant MS Khan confirmed that the recovered items, including filled LPG cylinders, matchsticks, and bottles, were found at the scene, adding to the mounting evidence of a carefully orchestrated sabotage. The presence of these items has only intensified the investigation, as authorities seek to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger, more sinister plot.

The recent surge in train derailment attempts across India has become a matter of serious concern for authorities. The Rail Ministry has officially acknowledged the alarming increase in such incidents, noting that deliberate conspiracies to derail trains have been on the rise. In the past week alone, there have been three derailment attempts and two incidents of stone pelting at trains, which have set off alarm bells within the railway system. These incidents, occurring in various parts of the country, suggest the involvement of miscreants with criminal intent, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of train passengers and railway infrastructure.

The authorities are particularly disturbed by the pattern in which these incidents are unfolding, as they appear to be part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the country's rail network. The fact that such incidents are happening in rapid succession across different regions has led officials to believe that these are not isolated events but rather part of a larger, calculated scheme. The deliberate nature of these acts further complicates the situation, leaving authorities scrambling to address the growing threat.

In response to this escalating crisis, Indian Railways, in collaboration with multiple probing agencies, has launched an extensive investigation into the various sabotage attempts aimed at derailing trains. The focus is on uncovering the motives behind these attacks, identifying the culprits, and preventing further attempts. The involvement of terrorist organizations in these incidents is also being actively explored, as the authorities leave no stone unturned in their investigation. This examination into potential terrorist links has brought the issue to the forefront of national security concerns, with agencies working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the nation's railways.

The uptick in such incidents has also triggered a reevaluation of security measures within the Indian railway system. The need to fortify railway lines, increase surveillance, and improve the vigilance of railway personnel is now more critical than ever. The Rail Ministry is under pressure to take immediate and effective steps to prevent further sabotage and ensure the safety of millions of passengers who rely on train services every day.

18 Train Derailment Incidents in Last 50 Days: Rail Ministry Hints at a Larger Conspiracy to Derail Trains

India has seen a significant increase in train derailment incidents over the past few weeks, prompting serious concern from the Rail Ministry. Authorities have now acknowledged that a larger conspiracy may be at play, aimed at deliberately sabotaging train services across the country. The Rail Ministry’s recent report highlighted that in just the past week, there were three derailment attempts and two incidents of stone pelting at trains. These events, taking place in different parts of India, indicate the involvement of criminal miscreants whose intent is to cause widespread disruption and endanger lives.

Given the alarming frequency of these incidents, Indian Railways and various investigative agencies have ramped up efforts to uncover sabotage attempts aimed at derailing trains. There is growing suspicion of terrorist involvement, especially in light of two near-miss derailments that were narrowly avoided—one in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and another in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Both of these cases have underscored the seriousness of the situation, as authorities investigate whether these attempts are part of a coordinated terrorist campaign to target India’s railway network.

In the Ajmer incident, cement blocks weighing one quintal were strategically placed along one kilometre of railway track, between the Saradhna and Bangad Gram stations. Fortunately, the cement blocks disintegrated and fell away from the track, preventing what could have been a major accident involving a goods train. However, it is believed to have been a deliberate act of sabotage, aimed at derailing the train and causing significant damage.

Meanwhile, in Kanpur, another potential disaster was averted when the loco pilot of the Kalindi Express (14117) applied emergency brakes upon hearing the sound of a gas cylinder hitting the train. The gas cylinder had been placed on the tracks intentionally, in an apparent attempt to derail or damage the train as it traveled along the Anwarganj-Kasganj route. The quick thinking and alertness of the pilot once again prevented what could have been a tragic accident, saving countless lives.

In both cases, Rail authorities and police immediately launched investigations into the matter. In Kanpur, their search of the scene led to the discovery of a petrol-filled glass bottle, a matchbox, and a suspicious bag near the track. Additionally, investigators found marks of rubbing from an iron-like object on the railway track, further evidence of tampering and deliberate sabotage.

List of Deliberate Attempts to Derail Trains Reported in the Recent Past

The rising frequency of deliberate derailment attempts across India has sparked widespread concern, particularly for the safety of the passengers who rely on the railway system daily. Reports have revealed that 18 derailment incidents have occurred within the past 40-50 days, raising alarms over the vulnerability of India’s rail network to acts of sabotage.

One of the most tragic incidents took place on 19th July, when 21 coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Motiganj in Gonda, approximately 150 kilometers from Lucknow. The derailment resulted in the loss of 3 lives, with 19 others injured. The train was en route to Assam when the loco pilot, after hearing a loud sound near Jhilahi Railway Station, quickly applied the emergency brakes. Witnesses reported that the loco pilot observed overhead electric wires swinging violently, signaling an issue on the track. Out of the 22 coaches, 8 were completely derailed, while the rest were partially off the tracks, leaving a trail of destruction and panic.

Another shocking incident took place on 1st August, when a YouTuber named Gulzar Sheikh was found placing various objects—such as cycles, soaps, stones, and even gas cylinders—on railway tracks. His motive? To generate content for his YouTube channel, which has over 2,35,000 subscribers and has garnered more than 13,70,44,393 views. Sheikh’s reckless actions endangered the lives of thousands of passengers, as these items could have caused severe accidents. Fortunately, the police took swift action and arrested Sheikh for his irresponsible behavior. His content, aimed solely at making money through dangerous stunts, placed many lives at risk and highlighted the darker side of content creation in the digital world.

On the night of 17th August, the engine of the Sabarmati Express derailed near Govindpuri Station in Kanpur. This incident, which could have had devastating consequences, was traced back to an object deliberately placed on the railway track. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw later confirmed the derailment was caused by this obstruction. Investigators revealed that the object was a broken piece of the railway track, which had been deliberately placed on the line in an apparent attempt to cause a significant accident.

That same day, another incident shook the railway system when Gagandeep Singh and six other Nihang Sikhs were booked for attacking Head Constable Gurpreet Singh. This incident occurred at Kartarpur Railway Station in Punjab. The Nihang Sikhs, wielding swords, attacked the constable while he was on duty, inflicting 5-6 serious cuts on Gagandeep Singh during the altercation. While this particular incident did not involve an attempt to derail a train, it reflected the growing lawlessness and aggression in some areas, contributing to the sense of insecurity surrounding the railways.

Important Cases - Updated on 9 Sep 2024 by itgd ed

The increasing number of incidents involving attempts to derail trains continues to be a significant concern for authorities. On 18th August, a shocking event occurred in Jabalpur, where half a dozen iron rods were deliberately placed on a railway track, colliding with the engine of a passenger train. Investigations revealed that the miscreant initially tried to steal the rods, but upon seeing the train approaching at high speed, abandoned the rods on the track. The authorities noted that this was not an isolated case, as there have been other troubling instances of placing foreign objects on railway tracks. Additionally, incidents of stone pelting, particularly on the Vande Bharat Express trains, have also been reported, further threatening the safety of train operations.

On 20th August, the Aligarh Railway Police filed charges against Afsan, who deliberately placed an alloy wheel on the railway track in an attempt to derail a moving train. This dangerous act was an attempt to recreate the Kanpur rail accident that took place on 17th August, showing a clear pattern of criminal behavior aimed at disrupting railway services. The actions of individuals like Afsan continue to pose a grave risk to the safety of passengers and the integrity of the railway system.

Later that same day, train KN2733541 encountered a similar act of sabotage. The train collided with a motorbike rim, forcing the engine to come to a halt between 07:40 and 07:45 am in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities investigating the scene discovered an alloy wheel and a plastic bag hidden in the bushes along the south side of the track. In response, an FIR was filed at Rorawar Police Station under Section 150 of the Railway Act, which deals with crimes involving sabotage on railway tracks, against unidentified individuals involved in this deliberate act of vandalism.

On 22nd August, just two days after the first case, Afsan was again charged by the Aligarh Railway Police for attempting to recreate the same Kanpur accident. His act of placing another alloy wheel on the railway track on 20th August was identified as a deliberate attempt to derail a moving train, bringing attention to the growing threat of repeated and coordinated efforts to disrupt railway services.

Finally, on the night of 23rd August, another potential tragedy was averted when the Farrukhabad Express, which was running between Kasganj and Farrukhabad, narrowly avoided a major accident. A wooden log had been placed on the railway track, causing the train to experience a sudden jolt. The loco pilot immediately applied the emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wooden log had become stuck to the train’s engine, which could have led to a severe accident had it not been detected in time.

On 23rd August, yet another deliberate attempt to sabotage railway operations occurred when a piece of wood was placed on the tracks between Kayamganj and Shamshabad in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. The incident brought train No. 05389 to an abrupt halt at the site of the obstruction. Upon further inspection by the RPF (Railway Protection Force) and other railway officials, it was discovered that the obstruction was mango wood, measuring approximately 137 cm in length, 20 cm in diameter, and weighing around 30 kg. This sizable piece of wood was placed with the clear intent to cause a train derailment, endangering the lives of passengers. Following this discovery, a police case was filed under relevant sections of the Railway Act against unknown individuals responsible for the act.

The following day, on 24th August, another incident of sabotage took place, this time in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. An unknown miscreant placed heavy stones on the railway track between the Jawaibandh and Biroliya regions. The stones were positioned with the malicious intent of derailing a train, adding to the growing number of such attempts across the country. Fortunately, no major accident occurred, but the deliberate nature of these acts continues to cause serious concern among railway officials and passengers alike.

Just a few days later, on 30th August, an iron rod was found deliberately placed on the downline track between Chandan Nagar and Hafizpet railway station in Rangareddy, Telangana. This act was another attempt to cause a train derailment, but thanks to the vigilance of railway staff, a major mishap was avoided. The train was delayed by only 10 minutes, and no casualties or injuries were reported. Following this incident, authorities took swift action by registering a case under Crime No. 1855/2024, with charges filed under Sections 153 and 174(b) of the Railway Act. These sections deal with the willful obstruction and endangerment of railway operations, highlighting the seriousness of the offense.

On 30th August, a serious act of sabotage was reported in the Dalton Ganj-Kajri section in Palamu, Jharkhand, where 100 Pandrol clips were stolen after being removed from the railway lines. The Senior Section Engineer promptly filed a written complaint, leading to the registration of case 9/24 against unknown persons under Section 3 of the Railway Act and Section 147 of the Indian Penal Code. The removal of Pandrol clips, which are crucial for securing railway tracks, posed a significant danger to the safety of the train network in the region, necessitating a swift investigation.

A few days later, on 4th September, a joint inspection of the railway tracks in Shivpuri and Padarkheda stations in Madhya Pradesh revealed another alarming discovery. Stone markings were found on both sides of the rail lines, with signs indicating that these stones had been deliberately placed by an unknown person. The area around the tracks had temporary walkways on both sides, but no nearby communities, level crossings, or underpasses, suggesting that the stones were placed intentionally to facilitate a motorcycle crossing. The situation became even more dangerous when train number 01883 struck these stones, resulting in damage to the rail guard. Upon further inspection, collision marks were observed on the stones on both sides of the track. In response to this sabotage, a case was filed under Sections 147, 154, and 174 of the Railway Act, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the potential harm it could have caused.

Later on the same day, another incident occurred at Kurduwadi station in Solapur, where a fouling mark stone was discovered on the tracks, forcing a tower wagon to come to a stop. This fouling mark stone, which measured 4 feet long, ½ feet wide, and weighed around 80-90 kg, was a significant obstruction that could have caused a major accident. Although CCTV footage from a nearby residence was reviewed, the camera did not capture the railway line or the incident site. However, the GRP took immediate action and filed complaint No. 98/2024 under sections 125, 126(2) BNS, and 147, 150(1)(a) of the Railway Act against unknown individuals. The RPF, GRP, and CIB/SUR are now collaborating to identify and apprehend the offenders responsible for this dangerous act.

The Wooden Log Kept to Derail a Train

On 30th August, at approximately 08:10 in the morning, train No. MADV/Container was brought to a halt at a work site due to an obstruction on the track. A PSC sleeper that had been placed near the downline track slipped onto the tracks, reportedly caused by the vibrations from the approaching train. The sleeper then became entangled with the train’s footboard, forcing the loco pilot to stop the train immediately. After the train was halted, the field crew was directed to remove the sleeper from the tracks. Once the obstruction was cleared, the train continued on its journey without further incident.

This event reflects yet another deliberate attempt to disrupt railway operations by placing objects on the tracks, emphasizing the dangers posed to train passengers and staff.

Terrorist Involvement in Train Derailment Incidents

In a more troubling development, Indian authorities are currently investigating the possibility of terrorist involvement in recent train derailment incidents. This follows the release of a video by Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist Farhatullah Ghori. The video, posted on Telegram, encourages supporters to carry out large-scale train derailments in Delhi, Mumbai, and other major Indian cities. Ghori’s call to action aims to incite Jihadis to disrupt India's railway lines and its transportation system, with the intent of causing widespread chaos and destruction.

In the video, Ghori incites his followers by claiming that such actions would cause “havoc in India.” He also directly addresses the mujahideen, urging them to engage in an “ishtishadi jung” or “fidayeen war” against Hindu leaders and police. His rhetoric reflects a deep-seated desire to inflict harm and destabilize the country’s infrastructure, particularly through violent attacks on its railway network.

Farhatullah Ghori has a long and notorious history of involvement in terrorist activities. He was designated a terrorist in 2020, and his name has been linked to some of the most devastating terror attacks in India. Ghori is believed to have masterminded the 2001 Akshardham Temple attack, which claimed 30 lives and left 80 injured. He was also responsible for the 2004 suicide attack on the Task Force office in Hyderabad and the 2023 Rameshwaram Café blast case. Despite being originally from Hyderabad, India, Ghori has been operating out of Pakistan, where he continues to orchestrate terror attacks against India.

Ghori’s latest video has prompted Indian intelligence agencies to take further precautions, as his open call for violence threatens to escalate the ongoing efforts to derail trains and disrupt critical infrastructure. Authorities remain on high alert, working to prevent these incidents from becoming the next chapter in Ghori’s long history of terror. The investigation into the matter continues, as officials seek to bring those responsible for these dangerous acts of sabotage to justice, ensuring the safety and security of India's railway network.