Sabarmati Express Derailment: FIR Registered for Alleged Sabotage

An FIR has been lodged against unknown persons for allegedly sabotaging the Sabarmati Express, leading to the derailment of 20 coaches near Govindpuri station, Kanpur. No injuries were reported. Authorities found an old rail piece that caused the derailment. Intelligence agencies and a Special Investigation Team are probing the incident.

An FIR has been registered against unidentified individuals for allegedly sabotaging the Sabarmati Express, resulting in the derailment of 20 coaches near Govindpuri station in Kanpur, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the train's engine collided with an object deliberately placed on the track, according to rail officials. Thankfully, there were no injuries or fatalities reported.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vijendra Dwivedi explained that an old rail piece, approximately 0.93 meters long, was located between the up and down lines and showed signs of recent heating, which investigators believe led to the derailment. The FIR was filed at Panki Police Station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita's section 125 and the Railways Act of 1989, based on a complaint from Senior Section Engineer Mahendra Pratap Singh.

Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh to investigate the incident thoroughly.

According to the FIR, loco pilot A P Bundela and his assistant noticed a heavy object on the tracks around 2:27 am on Saturday, prompting them to apply emergency brakes. Despite their efforts, the train's cattle guard hit the object, causing the derailment. The train was en route from Varanasi to Gujarat at the time.

The railways claim that the rail piece was deliberately placed on the tracks, further escalating concerns of deliberate sabotage. Forensic experts and a technical team from the railways have seized the piece of rail for further examination.

Intelligence Bureau (IB), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) are all actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

In a post on X, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, ''The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Ahmedabad) hit an object on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 02:35 am. Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it. No injuries to passengers or staff. Train arranged for passengers for onward journey to Ahmedabad,'' reaffirming the involvement of multiple agencies in the ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)