Kolkata, August 4 (H.S.) – Panic gripped West Bengal’s Junglemahal region on Sunday evening after an explosion occurred near the railway tracks close to Garbeta railway station, just minutes after the New Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express had passed through the area. Although no casualties have been reported, the incident has raised serious concerns over passenger safety and railway security.
According to railway authorities, the blast occurred at around 4:12 PM, shortly after the Rajdhani Express had passed Garbeta. The train had reached near Shilabati bridge, about three kilometers away, when the loco pilot heard a loud explosion. Without halting the train immediately, the driver informed higher officials after reaching the next station. At Bankura station, the train was stopped for about 30 minutes for inspection, after which it was cleared to proceed.
Upon receiving the alert, railway officials and forensic teams rushed to the site. During the inspection, traces of explosive material were found along the tracks, leading to fears of a possible sabotage attempt. The area has since been placed under heightened alert.
However, police have suggested that the blast may have resulted from the fall of a chemical substance, and have not yet classified it as a deliberate act. Nevertheless, investigation agencies are not ruling out any possibility, including a Maoist connection, and probe is underway from all angles.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar IED blast by suspected Maoists on the Rangra-Karampada route in Odisha’s Chakradharpur division, where two railway workers were caught in the explosion. One of them, 37-year-old Itawa Oraon, died on the spot, while another, Budhram Munda, was seriously injured. That explosion had damaged the railway sleepers.
Given the back-to-back explosions, security agencies are viewing the Garbeta incident with grave seriousness. The railway department has ordered a detailed inquiry and announced tightening of security protocols across sensitive zones of the railway network.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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