‘Rail jihad’ messages from Pakistan keep security agencies on high alert ahead of Maharashtra polls

NAGPUR: The intelligence apparatus and railway security agencies are on high alert after Pakistan-based terrorist, Farhatullah Ghauri, urged sleeper cells a few months ago to target Indian railways and trigger train derailments and other accidents.
Ghauri’s messages, shared on social media platforms, are now being labelled ‘rail jihad’.
Though some accidents were averted by attentive railway staff, attempts by subversive groups have risen alarmingly, forcing National Investigation Agency (NIA) to swing into action.
Gangmen, who patrol tracks, have been sensitised along with security staff and loco pilots, said a top source.
“Though threats are meant for bigger cities, precautions are being taken across Maharashtra and other states, where elections are scheduled,” said an official source.
Intelligence agency sources confirmed to TOI that an alert message has been dispatched to the railway administration and security agencies after over six suspicious mishaps on railway tracks.
NIA personnel rushed to the accident site near Chennai after the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed recently.
Intelligence and security agencies are also probing into recent accidents, including one involving Farrukhabad Express near Kasganj in which a wooden log was placed across the track.
Another accident at Palghar is under surveillance where seven wagons got derailed. In August, cement blocks were placed on tracks, where Vande Bharat was scheduled to pass in Pali district of Rajasthan.
On October 13, an empty gas cylinder was found on the tracks near Roorkee, and an alert loco pilot averted a tragedy. In another incident, an attempt was made to derail the Dehradun-Tanakpur weekly train.
Secuity agencies have directed the railway administration to step up surveillance on tracks, bridges, pools, and desolate places. GRP and Railway Protection Force (RPF), along with their canine and bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS), have also been urged to step up vigil.
“Train escorting teams have been increased, and internal security systems in coaches have been maintained for any emergency,” said an official.
On Monday, Mumbai-Howrah Mail, passing through Nagpur, was inordinately delayed following a bomb threat on X handle. The train was halted for two hours at Jalgaon station and coaches were re-checked at Nagpur railway station to rule out sabotage, said SP, Govt Railway Police (GRP), Akshay Shinde.
Sources stated railway security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to ensure subversive activities do not trigger another accident.
“Miscreants are placing obstructions on tracks with concrete boulders, iron rods and gas cylinders, which can cause accidents,” said a source in the security agencies, adding terror groups are targeting tracks that pass through forested or abandoned land.