A quick-thinking train operator foiled an alleged sabotage attempt after slamming on the brakes when he noticed rocks and iron bars placed on the railway tracks.
The attempted sabotage occurred between Gangrar and Soniana railway stations in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan, India, at approximately 9:53 AM on Monday, 2nd October.
According to official reports, the crew aboard the Udaipur-Jaipur bound Vande Bharat Express discovered stones and iron rods deliberately placed on the railway track. A video, reportedly filmed by railway personnel, shows the stones and rods positioned on the tracks.
In response to the incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) filed a case under the Railways Act. A railway official stated: “As the train passed Gangrar, train operator Mubarak Husain noticed a concerning sight on the tracks – two iron rods, each about one foot in length, were intentionally positioned on the rails.”
The official continued: “These iron rods were attached to a joggle plate, a component used for linking railway tracks. Additionally, stones had been purposely arranged on the rails, posing a significant threat to the passengers aboard.
The official added: “A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the unknown perpetrators at the Gangrar Government Railway Police (GRP) station, citing the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“A comprehensive investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this act of sabotage.”
Upon receiving the information, DSC Ajmer, Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IPF) Bhilwara, Permanent Way Inspector (PWI) Gangrar, local Police, and GRP officials visited the site.
The North Western Railway zone issued an official statement, stating: “Today [Mon], in the vicinity of the Vande Bharat Express travelling from Jaipur to Udaipur, between Gangrar and Soniana stations, unidentified individuals attempted to sabotage the train by placing stones and iron rods on the railway track.
“The Railway Administration is taking stringent action against these individuals, and the wrongdoers will face consequences.”
