Lucknow: The alarming discovery of a gas cylinder on Kanpur’s railway tracks, followed by its collision with the Kalindi Express train on Monday morning, set off alarms in the security establishment.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad team arrived at the scene and assessed the railway tracks where the collision occurred.
The Prayagraj-Bhiwani Kalindi Express passengers narrowly escaped an accident this morning when the train collided with a cylinder left on the tracks at a railway crossing in Kanpur’s Meduri village.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) IG Nilabja Chaudhary, along with a police squad, examined the rail tracks and informed reporters that every aspect was being investigated. However, he refused to reveal any details about the alleged conspiracy.
“Whatever conclusions we reach after the initial investigation will be shared with the media,” he added.
The incident, which occurred about 8 a.m., sparked speculation about an apparent conspiracy and sabotage motive.
According to the Kanpur Police, the incident occurred at about 8.20 a.m. in Kanpur. The cylinder was reportedly put at Munderi village’s crossing between Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations on the Kanpur-Kasganj road.
As the Kalindi Express passed through Shivrajpur, the vigilant loco-pilot spotted an LPG gas cylinder on the railway tracks. Reacting swiftly, he applied the emergency brakes. Despite the collision with the cylinder, the train remained undamaged, a testament to the safety measures in place.
Following the accident, the cylinder was flung off the tracks, and the train came to a stop. The train driver reported the incident to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) before continuing the journey after around 20 minutes.
The RPF has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident and is combing the region alongside the UP Police dog squad for clues about the attempted plan to derail the Express train.
According to some sources, the Uttar Pradesh Police detained over a dozen people for questioning. These individuals are believed to have been in the vicinity of the incident and are being questioned to ascertain their involvement in the alleged sabotage.
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–IANS
