In response to a recent incident in which a train engine struck stones deliberately placed on the railway track in the Bairia area of Uttar Pradesh, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has formed a special investigation team, and increased patrolling along the rail route. A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against unknown persons, officials confirmed.
Speaking to PTI, RPF Inspector VK Singh stated, “We believe the stones were placed with the intent of derailing the train.” He added that an investigation team has concluded that an unknown individual was responsible for the act.
RPF Commandant S Ramakrishnan reinforced this view, suggesting that mischievous elements were behind the incident. “A special team is investigating the case, and patrolling has been initiated. We are working closely with local police to ensure a quick resolution,” he said.
Circle Officer Mohammad Usman, who visited the scene, noted that the stones appeared to be from the railway track itself and had not been brought from elsewhere. There is no evidence suggesting that stones protecting nearby structures, like the Manjhi bridge, had been used. Usman dismissed the idea of the boulders from National Highway 31 being placed on the elevated railway track.
Bairia police station in-charge Ramayan Singh confirmed the registration of the FIR under sections of the Railways Act, and charges related to endangering public safety. He assured that police are actively investigating the case.
The incident has raised concerns given the recent spate of similar events in Uttar Pradesh, where objects such as gas cylinders and iron poles have been placed on railway tracks, posing potential derailment threats. In another incident, a 16-year-old was apprehended for placing a concrete fencing pillar on the Banda-Mahoba rail track, leading to train disruptions.
Though no damage or injuries were reported in the Bairia case, authorities have heightened vigilance to prevent such incidents and ensure rail safety.
(With inputs from PTI)