Ahead of R-Day, blast near Punjab's Sirhind damages railway track, goods train engine derails
Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh says blast under investigation, initially treated as criminal incident; security tightened
Ahead of Republic Day, a portion of the railway track used for freight trains near Sirhind in Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib district was found damaged on Friday night, following a blast.
The track, located near Khanpur village, about 4-5 kilometres from Sirhind station, was damaged on railway poll number 1208, affecting a 600-metre stretch.
The track is used exclusively for goods trains. Following the incident, the engine of a goods train derailed, and its loco pilot was injured.
Railway authorities immediately swung into action, repaired the track, and restored traffic. The police have registered a case against unidentified persons under Section 150 (maliciously wrecking or attempting to wreck a train) under the Railways Act.
Addressing the media, Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh said that information about the explosion was received on Friday night, following which multiple teams were dispatched to the site to begin the investigation.
He added that the blast occurred at approximately 9:50 pm, and the injured freight train loco pilot has been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The railway tracks and surrounding areas have been inspected, with forensic and technical teams working to collect evidence, said the officer.
The DIG clarified that it would be premature to label the incident as a terrorist attack. Initially, it is being treated as a criminal incident, and the situation will become clear only after the investigation is complete.
Official information regarding the cause of the explosion and those responsible will be released only after the findings are available, he added.
Security has been increased in the area, and the railway and police administrations are maintaining a vigilant watch.
