Sadhu Receives Two-Year Jail Term for Deliberate Railway Track Obstruction in Hyderabad
A railway court in Hyderabad has handed down a two-year prison sentence to a 42-year-old sadhu from Haridwar for intentionally placing stones on railway tracks at multiple locations along the busy Kacheguda route. South Central Railway (SCR) officials emphasized that this reckless act could have precipitated a major disaster, endangering countless lives.
Legal Charges and Court Observations
The accused, identified as Ramdas, was prosecuted under sections 153, 174C, and 147 of the Railways Act. These provisions address wilful acts that jeopardize passenger safety, trespassing, and obstruction of railway operations. In its ruling, the court underscored that such behavior constitutes a severe threat to human life and railway infrastructure, necessitating strict legal action to deter future incidents.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) authorities noted that this sentence represents the longest jail term ever imposed within the SCR jurisdiction for offences involving track obstruction. Typically, individuals convicted in similar cases face a maximum of three months' imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of this particular offence.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The incident came to light on May 8, 2025, when trackmen reported the presence of stones and elastic rail clips at junction points between Kacheguda and Budvel stations, prompting suspicions of deliberate sabotage. Responding urgently, the RPF assembled a special team to inspect the affected areas.
During the investigation, officials reviewed CCTV footage from the vicinity, which captured the sadhu acting suspiciously near the junction points. Based on this visual evidence and other clues, RPF Inspector Gorakhnath Mawl from Kacheguda confirmed that they successfully tracked down and apprehended Ramdas.
Background and Pattern of Offences
Further inquiry revealed that Ramdas, who adopted the life of a sadhu after losing his job as an electrician during the Covid-19 pandemic, is a repeat offender. He has been traveling across various states by train and engaging in similar hazardous activities. The RPF disclosed that he has previously committed analogous offences in Tamil Nadu, indicating a persistent pattern of dangerous behavior.
During interrogation, Ramdas refused to provide any explanation for his actions, leaving officials puzzled about his motives. Inspector Mawl remarked on the methodical nature of the crime, noting that the sadhu placed 20 stones in a row at five distinct locations along the Kacheguda-Budvel section.
Initially, investigators considered the possibility that Ramdas might be mentally unstable, but subsequent questioning dispelled this theory. He responded coherently to all inquiries and demonstrated full awareness of his actions, according to Mawl.
