In a shocking incident that could have led to a major disaster, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the investigation into an attempt to derail the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express in Kanpur. The incident occurred on Sunday night, when the express train was brought to a screeching halt by a vigilant loco pilot after it hit an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks.
The Uttar Pradesh Police, following the initial investigation, found evidence of a possible sabotage attempt. This included explosive powder, bottles of petrol, and matchboxes discovered at the incident site. The seriousness of the situation prompted a high-level team from the NIA to rush to Kanpur to assist in the investigation.
“A team from the NIA, led by a woman IPS officer of the 2012 batch, has started investigating the site where the LPG cylinder was found placed on the railway tracks,” a senior Kanpur police officer told news agency PTI. “The NIA officials have started gathering details about the incident. They are also undertaking a survey of the entire area around the railway tracks (where the LPG cylinder was found),” Rajesh Kumar Singh, DCP West Kanpur, stated.
The investigation has taken on a heightened sense of urgency with the involvement of the NIA. “The NIA officials… asked the police to make a survey of railway tracks in the large areas believing it might be helpful in getting a breakthrough into the case,” the police said. The ADG Railways (GRP) has also joined the investigation, adding to the multi-agency effort to unravel the truth behind this alarming incident.
In response to the attempted sabotage, the Kanpur Police have registered an FIR and formed multiple teams, including those from the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the NIA. The investigation has already led to the detention of six individuals, including two known local history-sheeters.
The Kanpur Police are also forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate any potential similarities between this incident and the recent derailment of the Sabarmati Express in Kanpur. “An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express by placing the LPG cylinder on the tracks,” the police confirmed.
The train remained at the incident site for approximately 20 minutes before being stopped again at the Bilhaur station for a thorough inspection. The Railways have filed a separate FIR at Shivrajpur against unidentified individuals, citing the discovery of the LPG cylinder along with a bottle filled with petrol and a wick as strong evidence of a possible sabotage bid. The investigation is ongoing with all efforts focused on identifying the culprits behind this audacious and dangerous act.
