Rajasthan Rail Track Blast: Two Arrested with Pakistan Links
Rajasthan ATS arrests two suspects in Gurdaspur for the Anupgarh-Suratgarh line blast involving alleged Pakistani handlers.
In a significant breakthrough regarding the sabotage of railway infrastructure, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and local police have arrested two individuals in Gurdaspur, Punjab. The arrests are linked to a high-profile blast on a railway track near Ramsinghpur in the Sri Ganganagar district.
The suspects, identified as 21-year-old Mahakdeep Kaur and 22-year-old Devendra Singh, were detained on November 15 following a coordinated investigation. The explosion targeted the Anupgarh-Suratgarh line, causing damage to the supporting pillars of the track.
A Narrow Escape for Passengers
The blast occurred on November 3, but it narrowly missed causing a major catastrophe. A passenger train had safely passed through the section shortly before the explosion took place. Local residents near the 50 GB village had reportedly observed multiple failed attempts to disrupt the line leading up to the actual detonation on November 3.
The Role of Pakistani Handlers
Investigators have uncovered a sophisticated web of remote recruitment and social engineering. According to police agencies, the operation was allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani handlers identified as Shah and Chacha.
The recruitment process reportedly relied on building trust through romantic conversations before providing the targets and explosives.
To facilitate the sabotage, the handlers allegedly transferred approximately ₹2 lakh to the duo. The Rajasthan ATS chief noted that the handlers specifically provided the improvised explosive device (IED) and the targeted coordinates for the attack.
Seized Evidence and Security Concerns
The arrest was the result of a joint operation involving the Rajasthan ATS, Sri Ganganagar Police, Punjab Police, and Counter Intelligence. During the operation, authorities recovered several incriminating items from the accused:
- Two foreign-made pistols
- 46 cartridges
- ₹30,000 in cash
Security analysts view this incident as part of an emerging pattern of low-intensity sabotage where external actors exploit local vulnerabilities through social engineering to target critical infrastructure.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The suspects are scheduled to be produced in court to face charges linked to the blast. Investigators are now focusing on a forensic analysis of all seized digital devices and communication records to map the full extent of the network. National security agencies are also monitoring the situation to determine if the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should take over the case, especially if interstate terror links are confirmed.