Gayaji: A potentially dangerous incident unfolded on Thursday when stones were hurled at the Jammu Tawi–Kolkata Express as it passed through the Gayaji yard in Bihar. The train, numbered 13152, was moving near kilometre point 471/20 when the sudden stone-pelting began, startling passengers and raising fears about their safety. Though no major injuries were reported, the incident caused panic inside the coaches and disrupted the sense of security on the busy route.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) said the escort team travelling with the train reacted without delay. Head constable Brijbhushan Mishra, who was leading the escort party, immediately lodged a complaint after the attack. Based on his report, a case was registered under Sections 153 and 147 of the Railways Act, which relate to actions that endanger passengers and damage railway property.
Given the seriousness of the incident, the RPF in Gayaji launched a fast-paced investigation. A special team was formed under post in-charge Banarsi Yadav, with support from Crime Intelligence Branch inspector Chandan Kumar. Sub-inspector Dhirendra Kumar was assigned to lead the probe. Officials carefully examined video footage from the area, relied on descriptions provided by the escort staff and activated local informers to trace the person responsible.
Within just eight hours, the accused was identified and taken into custody. He was named as Mohammad Arif, also known as Aman, a 23-year-old from Utraut in the Chakand Bazaar area of Gaya, who was currently living in the Katari Islamganj locality under Chandauti police station. During questioning, he admitted to throwing stones at the train, saying he had been angered by a remark made by someone inside the coach.
After his arrest, Arif was produced before the railway court in Gayaji and was sent to jail following the court’s order. RPF officials said the incident serves as a warning that such acts will be dealt with strictly. “Anyone who endangers passengers or tampers with railway property will not be spared,” Banarsi Yadav said, adding that monitoring and vigilance in railway areas have been stepped up to prevent similar incidents in the future.
