Patna: A series of stone-pelting incidents targeting three passenger trains near Muzaffarpur in Bihar on Sunday evening triggered panic among passengers and raised fresh concerns over railway security in the region.
Among the trains targeted was the Patliputra-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express, one of Indian Railways’ premium semi-high-speed services. According to railway officials, windows of three coaches of the train were partially shattered during the incident.
Three Trains Targeted Within 90 Minutes
Officials said the incidents occurred between Muzaffarpur Junction and Ramdayalu Nagar station. The first train to come under attack was Train No. 26501, the Patliputra-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express.
The train was reportedly targeted near Majhaulia and Khabra, where stones were hurled at several coaches. The impact damaged windowpanes in three compartments, though no injuries to passengers were reported.
Shortly after the Vande Bharat incident, Train No. 15550, the Patna-Jaynagar Intercity Express, and Train No. 14006, the Lichchavi Express, were also subjected to stone-pelting at different locations along the same route.
The back-to-back incidents within a span of around one and a half hours created panic among passengers travelling on the affected trains.
Railway Protection Force Launches Investigation
Following reports of simultaneous attacks on multiple trains, the railway administration initiated an immediate response. Teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) units in Muzaffarpur and Hajipur were deployed to the affected areas to investigate the incidents.
RPF officials said CCTV footage from cameras installed inside the Vande Bharat Express is being examined to identify those responsible for the vandalism.
Security personnel also conducted inspections along the railway tracks and surrounding areas after the incidents were reported.
Children Suspected, Other Angles Under Probe
According to preliminary findings and local inputs gathered by investigators, railway police suspect that children playing near the railway tracks may have been involved in the stone-pelting.
However, officials said no possibility has been ruled out at this stage, including the involvement of organised miscreants or any deliberate attempt to disrupt railway operations.
The RPF, along with local police, has begun inquiries in nearby villages to identify those responsible and prevent similar incidents in the future.
