LPG bottle, petrol bottle, matchboxes found on tracks in Kanpur; police say attempt to derail Kalindi Exp

A serious train accident was averted when the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express came to an abrupt halt after hitting an LPG cylinder on the tracks, police said on Monday. A petrol bottle and matchboxes were also recovered from the accident site, suggesting an attempt at sabotage.

They said the incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday when the train was traveling at high speed.

An FIR has been filed in the matter and several teams have been formed to investigate the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh said the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has launched a separate investigation.

“An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express by placing the LPG cylinder on the tracks. Soon after we were informed about the incident at around 8.20 pm on Sunday, senior officials rushed to the spot and launched an investigation,” police said.

In addition, a forensic team has been called in and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is also investigating the case, it said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chandra said the train driver saw the LPG cylinder lying on the tracks and applied emergency brakes.

Before the train could stop, however, it hit the cylinder and it was thrown off the tracks, Chandra said. The train driver informed the conductor and the signalman.

The train remained at the accident site for about 20 minutes and was then stopped again at Bilhaur station for checking, the ACP said.

The damaged cylinder was recovered. A bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also found at the accident site, Chandra said.

He said efforts were being made to identify the culprits and strict action would be taken against them.

Meanwhile, the railway company has filed a complaint against unknown persons in Shivrajpur, alleging that the placement of an LPG cylinder on the tracks and a petrol-filled bottle with a wick is a possible attempt at sabotage.

The FIR was filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Explosives Act and Railways Act, police said.

After registering the FIR, the top officials formed five teams led by senior officials to investigate the case.

DCP (West) Singh said police teams would investigate the case in detail and initiate action against those involved.

In addition, an additional DCP (Local Intelligence Unit) has been appointed to collect criminal intelligence information about the conspirators and assist the police in solving the case, he added.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also launched its own investigation, he added.

According to official sources, it was also decided to search for and question “Jamatis” (an Islamic community) in the area.

A police team was also sent to Kannauj after a box of sweets (Siyaram sweets) was found near the crime scene, which officials said could possibly lead them to the culprits.