Explosion on railway line in Punjab before Republic Day, security agencies engaged in investigation

Punjab. Before Republic Day, concern regarding security arrangements has increased in Punjab. At around 9 pm on Friday night, there was a massive explosion while the engine was passing on the outer line of Sirhind railway station. The blast occurred on a railway track where only goods trains pass. The incident was reported to the Government Railway Police (GRP) late at around 11 pm.

The glass of the goods train engine was broken in the blast, while the railway track also suffered minor damage. Goods train security officer Anil Sharma (Safety Officer, DFCC) has suffered minor injuries in this incident. According to the police, his condition is completely fine and there is no threat to any passenger train or the general public.

After the incident, GRP has registered a case against unknown people and started investigation. Police and Forensic Science Lab (FSL) teams have collected evidence from the spot. Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh also reached the spot and took stock of the investigation.

Police say that whether the blast was a part of any terrorist conspiracy or it was caused by a technical fault in the engine, it is being thoroughly investigated. Railway technical experts are also examining the engine and track. As Republic Day is nearing, security agencies are on full alert.

After this incident the politics of the state has also heated up. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh Raja Wading said that the explosion near the railway track is not a normal crime. This could be a deliberate attempt to spread fear and instability in Punjab. He raised questions on the law and order of the state.

Expressing concern over the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the news of the blast on the railway line near Sirhind is very worrying. He said such incidents are a threat to the peace restored after decades of unrest. Sukhbir Badal wished the speedy recovery of the injured and termed it as a sign of deteriorating law and order under the present government. At present, the police is investigating the matter from all angles and security arrangements have been tightened.