#BreakingNews: Railways Say Anti-Social Elements Involved in Suspected Train Fire Cases
Railways allege sabotage in train fires by anti-social elements.
Indian Railways has suggested that recent fire incidents reported on trains may have involved deliberate acts of sabotage, stating that “anti-social elements” were found to be involved in multiple cases under investigation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The statement comes amid a series of fire-related incidents reported across different states, raising safety concerns among passengers.
The Railways said that four recent cases—in Rajasthan’s Amarpura and Kota, and in Sasaram and Howrah in Bihar and West Bengal—are being investigated in detail. Officials noted that each incident is being examined separately, with the RPF leading the probe to determine the exact cause and identify those responsible.
In the Amarpura case, authorities reported an attempt to set linen materials such as bedding on fire, indicating suspected intentional damage. In Howrah, investigators recovered a petrol-soaked cloth from the bathroom of a train coach, further strengthening concerns about deliberate interference in train safety systems. In Kota, flames were observed coming from the bathroom of a Rajdhani Express, while in Sasaram, an unidentified individual reportedly threw a burning object into an empty coach.
The Railways said that while earlier assessments in the Sasaram case pointed towards a possible short circuit, preliminary findings have not ruled out external interference. The Railways emphasised that all such incidents are being taken “very seriously” and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority. Officials have urged travellers to stay vigilant while onboard trains and to immediately report any suspicious activity through the Railway Helpline number 139.
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The advisory comes shortly after another major fire incident involving a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, where a coach caught fire in the early hours of the morning. The blaze broke out in the B-1 air-conditioned coach carrying 68 passengers while the train was travelling between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations, officials said. Although no injuries were reported, the fire caused significant disruption to rail operations in the region.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the detached coach, and the flames reportedly spread to nearby vegetation along the tracks. The incident led to delays and diversions affecting at least 18 trains, with several services halted at different stations until normal operations were restored.Authorities continue to investigate all recent incidents, as concerns over train safety and possible sabotage remain under active review.
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