Motihari: The Champaran Satyagraha Express narrowly avoided a serious accident late Tuesday night after colliding with a cemented pole placed on the railway track near Chailaha Halt in Motihari, Bihar. The pole, allegedly placed by unidentified anti-social elements, was part of a deliberate attempt to derail the train.
The quick action of the train’s loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes, prevented a catastrophe. Although the train slightly collided with the obstacle, no passengers were harmed. The train was en route from Anand Vihar to Bapu Dham station when the incident occurred on the Muzaffarpur-Narkatiyaganj railway section, 169km from Bapu Dham station.
Sabotage attempt uncovered
Preliminary investigations by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local authorities suggest the obstruction was part of a premeditated conspiracy. It was discovered that a cemented bench, meant for passengers at Chailaha Halt, had been broken and its parts dragged onto the tracks.
RPF post commander Chandan Paswan confirmed the findings, stating: “This is a serious matter. Anti-social elements involved in this sabotage attempt will be identified, and strict action will follow. Measures to prevent such incidents will be tightened.”
Emergency response and investigation
The incident caused panic among passengers on the train, but the swift response of the train’s driver and the intervention of railway officials quickly brought the situation under control.
Local police and a four-member railway investigation team visited the site on Tuesday night. A joint inquiry revealed that unknown persons had intentionally placed debris and cemented boulders on the tracks. A case, numbered 19/25, has been registered against unidentified individuals at the RPF station.
Speaking to reporters, the gateman of gate number 164 confirmed the timing of the incident at approximately 8pm. However, he was not on duty at the time, and his colleague is assisting with the inquiry.
Swarn Prabhat, Superintendent of Police, assured that efforts are underway to identify those responsible. “GRP has been informed, and district police officers, including the SHO and CI, have conducted their investigations,” he said.
Heightened security measures planned
The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger safety on the Muzaffarpur-Narkatiyaganj section. Railway officials have pledged to enhance security and surveillance measures to prevent further attempts to compromise the safety of train operations.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the railway management has called for a swift resolution to the case to maintain passenger trust and ensure the safety of its operations.
