Multi-Agency Investigation Underway After Freight Corridor Explosion in Punjab
In a significant security incident, multi-agency teams conducted an extensive sweep operation on Sunday in the vicinity of Khanpur village within Fatehgarh Sahib district. This intensive probe follows a disturbing blast that occurred on Friday night, which caused substantial damage to a critical freight railway track, injured a loco pilot, and shattered the windshield of the train he was operating.
Social Media Claim and Police Skepticism
The investigation gained a complex dimension as a social media post, allegedly originating from the banned militant outfit Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), surfaced claiming responsibility for the act. The post provocatively described the explosion as a "trailer" intended to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the so-called ‘Declaration of Khalistan’. It specifically named KZF chief Ranjit Singh Jammu in connection with the incident.
However, law enforcement officials expressed considerable skepticism regarding these claims. Investigators pointed out that the online assertion was made several hours after the actual attack, suggesting it might be more of an opportunistic afterthought rather than a genuine claim of responsibility. "We are meticulously probing the authenticity of these viral posts and examining whether this represents a genuine claim or merely an attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for propaganda purposes," stated a senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Intensive Ground Investigation and Forensic Analysis
To identify potential suspects, coordinated teams from the CIA Rajpura, CIA Sirhind, and the Government Railway Police (GRP) launched a comprehensive operation. Their efforts included:
- Scrutinizing dozens of CCTV footage feeds obtained from nearby industrial units and strategic highway points.
- Questioning several individuals in the area to gather leads and eyewitness accounts.
Despite these rigorous efforts, investigators have yet to achieve a definitive breakthrough in pinpointing the perpetrators. Ropar range DIG Nanak Singh and Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubham Aggarwal confirmed that the explosion occurred precisely at 9:50 PM on Friday. The incident took place as a freight train was passing through a newly constructed section of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), a vital infrastructure project.
Forensic teams played a crucial role by meticulously collecting evidence from the blast site. They seized fragments of what is believed to be an improvised explosive device (IED) along with some loose wiring, which are now undergoing detailed analysis. "The reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are eagerly awaited. To date, none of the suspects have been positively identified, and no apprehensions have been made as the investigation is being conducted with utmost thoroughness. Further details cannot be disclosed at this preliminary stage," explained Fatehgarh Sahib Superintendent of Police Jaskirat Singh.
Operational Impact and Legal Proceedings
The explosion, which police have classified as a "low-intensity blast," had immediate and disruptive consequences. It necessitated the halting of train operations on the DFC for several hours, primarily due to the damage inflicted upon the railway track, disrupting freight logistics.
In response to the incident, an FIR has been officially registered under Section 150 of the Railways Act at the GRP Police Station in Sirhind. This section pertains to the malicious attempt to wreck a train, underscoring the serious nature of the attack.
Heightened Security Amid Approaching Republic Day
With Republic Day on January 26 approaching, this incident has prompted authorities to fortify security measures across vital installations throughout Punjab. The blast has heightened vigilance, with security agencies on high alert to prevent any further untoward incidents during this sensitive period.
The ongoing investigation remains a top priority for multiple law enforcement agencies as they work to unravel the motives behind the attack, verify the claims made on social media, and ensure the safety and security of critical national infrastructure.
