A major disaster was narrowly averted when the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express collided with an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks in Kanpur. The incident, which occurred at around 8:20 pm, has triggered a comprehensive investigation by multiple security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and other intelligence services.
Police revealed that a bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also discovered at the site, raising concerns of a planned sabotage. The quick actions of the loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes upon spotting the obstruction, prevented a potential derailment. Despite hitting the LPG cylinder, the train was able to halt safely, with the cylinder being dislodged from the tracks.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that an FIR has been registered and several investigative teams have been deployed. Singh noted that the Uttar Pradesh ATS is leading a separate probe into the incident.
Sources close to India TV have suggested that this derailment attempt might be linked to an ongoing terror conspiracy involving the Islamic State (IS). Recent intelligence indicates that terrorist Farhatullah Ghori, based in Pakistan, had threatened to orchestrate train accidents in India. This incident, along with recent train mishaps, is being scrutinized for possible connections to IS operatives.
In recent developments, Delhi Police have arrested approximately 14 suspected ISIS members across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. This string of arrests and the current investigation into the Kalindi Express incident underscore a heightened security alert in the region.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chandra reported that after the initial collision, the train remained at the site for about 20 minutes before being checked at the Bilhaur station. The swift response from authorities and the prompt actions of the train crew were instrumental in preventing what could have been a catastrophic event.