New Delhi: The Indian Army is conducting a thorough investigation after explosives were discovered on a railway track used by a special train carrying soldiers and arms to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The incident occurred in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, raising concerns about a potential coup attempt.
On September 18, as the train passed, explosives that resembled firecrackers detonated on the track. The loco pilot quickly applied the brakes and halted the train for safety. It remained at Sag Phata station for about 30 minutes while officials conducted a thorough inspection of the tracks and nearby area.
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Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, reported that ten explosive devices were found within ten metres of the railway track between Sagphata and Dongargan stations.
Central investigation agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Army, and Anti-Terrorist Squad, have taken the situation very seriously and inspected the scene in detail. The Railway Protection Force is also involved in the investigation.
It is hinted that the authorities have arrested one individual in connection with the incident. Initial findings suggest that the suspect may have planted the devices while under the influence of alcohol, although this has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, the Army has requested that railway staff, including signalmen and track workers, be questioned to gather more information.
This incident is part of a worrying trend, as there have been seven reported attempts at train sabotage in the past five weeks, mostly occurring in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with six of these incidents in Uttar Pradesh.