Explosion on railway track in Udaipur; NIA, other agencies investigate
The Rajasthan Police on Sunday said they were informed by local residents about an explosion on railway tracks in Udaipur district, following which explosives were recovered from the area.
Officials said the local police officers from the Jawar Mines police station were informed about the incident on Sunday morning.
“We are gathering all evidence. It appears that the explosion took place last night and the railway tracks were damaged. We were informed about it this morning. A train was supposed to pass through the area, where the incident took place, at 11.30 am on Sunday. Some explosive substance has been recovered, which prima facie appears to be like explosives used in mining activities,” said Udaipur SP Vikas Sharma.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the blast was reported about 35 km from Udaipur. “We have our best on the spot — ATF, NIA and RPF. The accused will be severely punished,” he said.
The bridge restoration team is also on the site.
Officials said the Asarwa-Udaipur Express train from Ahmedabad was supposed to pass through the place where the railway tracks were damaged in the explosion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently flagged off the inaugural run of the train.
Damaged railway track after an explosion, in Udaipur, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (PTI Photo)
A railway spokesperson said in light of the incident, the train was halted in Dungarpur.
“We are gathering evidence and are investigating all angles. A case is being registered in the matter,” said Udaipur SP Sharma.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday took to Twitter to express his concern over the incident, which he called worrying. Gehlot directed Rajasthan DGP Umesh Mishra to investigate the issue thoroughly.
In a statement on Sunday, DGP Mishra said appropriate action is being taken in the matter and the police are coordinating with railway officials. “Assistance is also being taken from central agencies,” the DGP added.
Teams of the Forensic Science Laboratory and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) also visited the spot and conducted investigations. (With PTI inputs)
