Who Is Setting Trains On Fire?: Indian Railways Suspects Nationwide Conspiracy

New Delhi: A disturbing claim regarding several incidents of fires breaking out in trains at multiple locations across the country have come to light. Indian Railways has recently made a startling revelation regarding the sudden incidents of fires breaking out in trains. On Wednesday, instead of attributing these accidents merely to coincidence or technical glitches, the Indian Railways expressed grave apprehension regarding a suspected 'conspiracy'.

What did the Indian Railways say?

An official statement clarified that the findings of the investigations conducted so far clearly point towards the involvement of 'anti-social elements.' This significant revelation has sent shockwaves through security agencies and the railway administration. The railway administration specifically cited incidents that occurred at four different locations, which have left the security apparatus deeply alarmed. These include incidents reported in Amarpura and Kota in Rajasthan. Furthermore, fires that erupted in trains in Sasaram (Bihar) and Howrah (West Bengal) have further reinforced the suspicion that a premeditated conspiracy may be at play.

The Railways stated that all these incidents are being treated with 'utmost seriousness.' While an attempt was made to set fire to the train's bedrolls (blankets and sheets) in Amarpura, the incident in Howrah involved the recovery of a petrol-soaked cloth from a coach's lavatory—a discovery that has further substantiated the suspicion of a conspiracy.

What do we know about these incidents?

Similarly, flames were observed rising from a lavatory aboard a Rajdhani Express in Kota. Meanwhile, at Platform No. 6 of Sasaram station in Bihar, an unidentified individual threw a burning object into an empty coach of the Sasaram-Patna Passenger train, which was standing at the platform. Although initial investigations into the Sasaram incident had suggested a short circuit as the probable cause, an angle of sabotage is now emerging in this case as well.

This statement from the Railways comes just days after a massive fire broke out in an AC coach of a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. A fire broke out in the B-1 coach of a train at approximately 5:15 AM, between the Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations. There were 68 passengers on board this coach. Fortunately, no passengers sustained any injuries in this terrifying incident.

The fire was so intense that a massive plume of black smoke billowed into the sky from the detached coach, and the flames reached the trees lining the railway tracks. Consequently, rail traffic on this route was severely disrupted. The schedules of at least 18 trains were thrown into disarray, and several trains had to be halted at various stations.

What action has the RPF Taken?

In the wake of these recurring incidents, the railway administration has shifted into a state of high alert. To get to the bottom of these matters, the responsibility for conducting a comprehensive investigation has been entrusted to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Special RPF teams are meticulously examining every incident from every possible angle to identify the individuals responsible for targeting the railway network—widely regarded as the country's lifeline.

In light of these persistent incidents, the Railways have also appealed to passengers to exercise extra vigilance. In an advisory, the Railways stated: "All passengers are requested to remain alert and stay safe. If you observe any suspicious activity on a train or at a station, please report it immediately—without any delay—by calling the railway helpline number 139."