Kanpur, 11th Sept. Over two dozen individuals have been detained for questioning regarding the suspected attempt to derail the Kalindi Express two days ago, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred on Monday, was averted thanks to the alertness of the loco pilot who stopped the train after it struck an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks. Additional items found at the scene included a bottle of petrol and matchboxes, suggesting a possible sabotage attempt.
Following the incident, local police lodged an FIR and launched a multi-agency investigation involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Uttar Pradesh Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad, and other state and central agencies. Officials are investigating potential terror links.
Police initially detained about six people, including two known criminals, on Monday night. However, these individuals were released after questioning. On Tuesday, more than two dozen additional suspects, including three family members, were detained. Among those held was a youth who had recently arrived in Kanpur from West Bengal.
Additional Director General (Railways) Prakash D reported that investigators have made progress and are optimistic about solving the case soon. The case involves multiple agencies, including the NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Kanpur police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Despite the significant effort, the matchboxes and LPG cylinder found at the scene have yet to provide useful leads. Indian Oil officials and gas agency owners were unable to identify the cylinder’s user, and the matchbox store owner could not provide data on buyers. The police are currently verifying a list of 250 recent LPG subscribers.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kanpur West) Rajesh Kumar Singh and Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chander reported that, apart from the LPG cylinder, 4-5 grams of explosive powder were recovered. The loco pilot’s quick action in applying the emergency brakes prevented a major accident.
An FIR has been filed at Shivrajpur against “unidentified” persons under various legal provisions, including those related to explosives and railways. Authorities are also investigating if there are any connections between this incident and the recent Sabarmati Express derailment.
