Indian Railways say 'anti-social elements' behind series of recent train fire incidents

Amid a series of recent train fire incidents reported from different parts of the country, Indian Railways has claimed that the fires were acts of deliberate sabotage carried out by “anti-social elements” rather than accidental occurrences.

Reportedly, the Railways said the incidents are being treated with utmost seriousness, with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducting detailed investigations into each case.

According to the national transporter, preliminary probes into multiple incidents have uncovered signs pointing towards intentional attempts to trigger fires.

In one such case near Amarapura Railway Station, an unidentified person allegedly tried to ignite linen material kept inside a coach, leading to a fire.

In another incident in Howrah, officials reportedly recovered a petrol-soaked cloth from the bathroom of a train where a fire had broken out.

Authorities also noted similarities in other cases. In Kota, the initial flames aboard the Rajdhani Express were said to have originated from a train bathroom, while in Sasaram, the fire was reported in an empty coach that did not even have a power generator.

Passengers have also been advised to stay alert during travel and immediately report any suspicious activity through the railway helpline number 139.

Indian Railways reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority and said timely action by railway staff helped prevent major mishaps.