Is the Kalindi Express’s near-derailment linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist or a mere YouTube trend? Here’s what we know so far!

In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the loco pilot of the Kalindi Express narrowly avoided a disaster after spotting a cooking gas cylinder placed on the railway tracks near the Bilhaur railway station. The pilot applied emergency brakes just in time, preventing a major accident. The train was travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani when this incident occurred.

Fortunately, the cylinder got stuck under the engine but did not explode, averting a catastrophic event. If the brakes had not been applied in time, the train could have derailed. Additionally, suspicious items, including a petrol-filled bottle and matches, were found at the site, indicating foul play.
Police have stated that this appears to be a deliberate attempt to derail the train. Two individuals have been detained in connection with the case. This incident isn't an isolated one; over the past few months, several attempts have been made to sabotage railway tracks by placing heavy objects to disrupt train operations.

One notable incident occurred last month when 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen Junction, reportedly due to a large object placed on the tracks. Similarly, in Rajasthan's Pali district, unidentified miscreants placed a cement block on the railway tracks, causing an Ahmedabad-Jodhpur Vande Bharat train to collide with it. Although no major harm was done, an investigation was launched into the matter.

Dangerous social media fad?

There has also been an increase in videos circulating on social media showing people placing obstacles like stones, iron rods and other potentially dangerous objects on railway tracks. YouTubers like Gulzar Sheikh recently came under fire for sharing videos featuring such dangerous stunts and endangering the lives of thousands of people. In fact, Sheikh, who is the operator of the YouTube channel “Gulzar Indian Hacker,” was arrested by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in August for the same.

In the case of the Kalindi Express, not only was a gas cylinder found, but explosives and chemicals were also discovered. While it is a possibility that people were encouraged by the YouTube videos and wanted to engage in some tomfoolery themselves, authorities have urged security agencies to remain vigilant and have called for a high-level investigation into these incidents.

Possible terrorism angle

Another angle to this story involves Pakistan-based terrorist Farhatullah Ghori — who has been on the Indian agencies' radar for years. Ghori was allegedly behind the Rameshwaram Cafe blast that happened in Bengaluru in March this year and has also been linked to other high-profile attacks, including 2002’s Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat that killed over 30.

Recently, a video of Farhatullah Ghori surfaced on the internet, where he urged his followers to target trains in Delhi and Mumbai. Officials are investigating whether there is a link between these incidents and Ghori's threats. Political parties across India have called for greater security and accountability to prevent further sabotage attempts.