The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 21-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man from Punjab in connection with an explosion on a railway track in Sri Ganganagar district on November 3. Investigators are probing suspected links between the accused and Pakistan-based handlers.
The accused have been identified as Mahakdeep Kaur and Davinder Singh, both residents of Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Rajasthan Police arrested them with the assistance of Punjab Police.
Investigators suspect that the two were acting on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers identified as “Chacha” and “Shah”. According to the probe, Kaur was allegedly brought into contact with them through online conversations and financial inducements. These suspected links and allegations are yet to be established.
Police have also detained three other suspects and are investigating whether they provided logistical support, including accommodation and transport. The owner of a hotel where the accused reportedly stayed is also suspected of being involved.
Two firearms, 46 cartridges and Rs 30,000 were reportedly recovered during the operation. Investigators are examining suspected financial transfers from Pakistan and the possible use of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Explosion damaged railway track near 50 GB village
The blast took place around 9.45 pm on November 3 on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line near 50 GB village in Sri Ganganagar district.
The explosion damaged two cement and steel sleepers beneath the tracks and created a crater approximately two-and-a-half feet deep between the rails. No casualties were reported.
Villagers in nearby settlements heard the explosion and alerted the police and railway authorities. Train movement on the section was suspended as a precaution, resulting in the cancellation of several services.
A passenger train travelling on the route had reportedly passed through the stretch around 75 minutes before the explosion. Investigators are examining whether the track was deliberately targeted to cause a major train accident.
Train services resumed on November 5 after repair work and safety inspections, North Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan confirmed.
Technical investigation led police to Punjab
Following a complaint by the Railways against unidentified persons, Ramsinghpur police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Bikaner Range Inspector General of Police Om Prakash Meghwal said investigators analysed mobile phone numbers active near the blast site around the time of the explosion. Police also examined CCTV footage from Ramsinghpur and nearby villages, tracking the movements of suspected individuals and vehicles before and after the incident.
Based on technical evidence and other leads, the investigation led police to Gurdaspur, where the two main accused were arrested.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused had surveyed the railway stretch before the explosion and whether others helped plan or execute the attack.
