In a terrifying plot that could have unleashed mass devastation, Aligarh Railway Police arrested Afsan for attempting to derail a train by placing an alloy wheel on the tracks. This shocking incident occurred on Tuesday, 20th August, just days after the deadly Sabarmati Express derailment in Kanpur.
HUGE 🚨 Afsan charged for deliberately placing an alloy wheel on a rail track to derail a train.
Afsan is accused of recreating the Kanpur rail accident that happened on August 17th.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishanav during the Kanpur case had confirmed that the derailment of… pic.twitter.com/8EPvqEtEL3
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) August 22, 2024
Afsan Plots to Recreate Kanpur Tragedy
Afsan didn’t just try to cause random damage—he targeted the Delhi-Kanpur freight corridor, specifically the Talaspur railway track in the Roravar police station area, with the intent to mimic the deadly Kanpur rail accident. On 17th August, twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed after striking an object placed on the tracks, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake. Afsan wanted to create the same devastation by placing an alloy wheel on the tracks.
However, the railway police, acting on a tip-off, quickly removed the alloy wheel from the tracks, preventing a potential disaster.
Authorities Track Down Afsan, Launch Investigation
After receiving the information, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched a full-scale investigation. They combed through evidence and swiftly tracked down Afsan. Authorities arrested him, bringing him in for questioning. They are now digging deeper into his motives and whether he acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy.
“Rail Jihad” Fears Grow
Afsan’s actions raise serious concerns about a broader pattern of sabotage that many fear could be part of what some are calling “Rail Jihad“. The Kanpur accident on 17th August, which Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed as an act of sabotage, shocked the nation. Now, with Afsan’s arrest, fears are growing that these attacks might not be isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort to terrorize the nation by targeting its railways.
Dangerous Content Creation: A Rising Threat
In addition to these sabotage attempts, a disturbing trend of dangerous content creation has emerged. Reckless individuals have begun placing objects on railway tracks and recording the destruction for likes, shares, and monetization on social media platforms like YouTube.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested YouTuber Gulzar Sheikh for uploading videos where he placed items like bicycles and stones on railway tracks. These reckless stunts not only endanger lives but also glorify dangerous behavior, turning the railways into a hazardous playground for thrill-seekers.
Time to Act: Protect India’s Railways
The Aligarh incident serves as a wake-up call. India must confront these growing threats to its railways head-on. Social media platforms must take responsibility and crack down on content that promotes or glorifies such reckless behavior. The public must stay vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity to prevent potential tragedies.
With the growing fears of “Rail Jihad” and the rise of dangerous content creation, India must act swiftly and decisively to protect its railways.