Surat Railway Employee Exposed: Removed Padlock Between Kim-Kosamba to Show Alertness for Promotion

After a failed attempt to cause a major rail accident between Kim-Kosamba in Surat, both central and local agencies are investigating. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also closely monitoring the situation. According to sources from the Surat rural police and the railway, the first person to notice the incident, railway worker Subhash Podar, is the primary suspect. He allegedly orchestrated the plan to secure a promotion. Subhash had removed the padlocks himself. The NIA first became suspicious of him because removing 71 padlocks is not something an ordinary person could do in a short time. Three trains passed through the area before the incident came to light, but none of the drivers noticed anything suspicious. No footprints or other suspicious items were found at the scene, further raising doubts about Subhash’s testimony.

Ongoing Investigation by ATS and NIA

Both ATS and NIA are currently investigating the matter. Surat LCB and SOG have detained three individuals from the district for questioning.

Suspicious Movement of Three Unknown People During Patrolling

On Saturday morning, a plot to derail a train by removing rail clips and fish plates from the railway track on the Kim-Kosamba bridge was uncovered. Seventy-one ERCs and two jogless fish plates were removed and placed on the track. Subhash Podar, who was patrolling the area, reported the incident, averting a major disaster. He informed the station master at Kim, who stopped the train at Kosamba station. Subhash also reported seeing three unknown individuals on the track during his patrol. He claimed that when he shouted at them around 5:20 a.m., they ran away.

Ministry of Home Affairs Requests a Report

After the incident, Surat rural police began an investigation. Due to the severity of the incident, NIA and ATS teams arrived at Kim and launched their own inquiries. NIA and ATS tried to determine how the suspects had the technical knowledge to remove the equipment without breaking it, suggesting that someone may have guided them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and has requested a full report.

Trains Passed Before Incident Was Reported

Railway investigators revealed that the official confirmation of the incident came at 5:24 a.m., and they are checking which trains passed before that. Two trains had passed through the area: the 12952 Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Express (which crossed between Kosamba-Kim at 130 km/h at 4:53/4:58 a.m.) and the 14808 Down Dadar Bhagat Ki Kothi (which crossed at 110 km/h on the down line between 4:38-4:44 a.m.). None of the drivers noticed anything suspicious on the tracks between Kim-Kosamba.

Difficult to Remove 71 Padlocks in 20 Minutes

Railway officials noted that removing 71 padlocks usually takes about two hours, raising suspicion that they were removed one by one and the trains passed through in between. However, removing all the padlocks and fish plates in just 20 minutes is considered highly unlikely. The suspects likely started removing the locks after 3 a.m. and hid when the trains approached. The final fish plate was removed around 5-5:20 a.m., just before it was spotted by the gangman.

An Experienced Person Can Remove Two Fish Plates in 30 Minutes

Experts say that with proper tools, an experienced person can remove two fish plates in 30 minutes. In this case, two fish plates and 78 padlocks were removed along a one-kilometer stretch of track, which would have taken about an hour. Working on the track for such a long time without being noticed is improbable, suggesting the task was completed swiftly.

Suspects Conducted Reconnaissance: Surat SP

Surat Superintendent of Police Hitesh Joysar stated that they have formed a 140-member police team and are using drones for assistance. The key finding is that the suspects had technical knowledge, as they didn’t break the railway equipment but removed it systematically. The suspects planned the operation carefully, indicating they had technical expertise. The police are investigating various leads.

What Are ERC and Fish Plates?

ERC stands for Elastic Rail Clip, which connects the track to the cement sleepers below. It acts as a safety pin that holds the track in place. Fish plates are placed on both sides of the track to reduce noise when the train is moving at high speed.

Bolts and Safety Pins Were Left on the Track

After removing the safety pins and fish plates, the bolts were left on the track. The idea was that a high-speed train would strike these bolts, causing it to derail. The railway worker’s video clearly shows the bolts and safety pins placed on the track.

Police’s Action Plan to Prevent Train Derailments

The attempt to derail a train in South Gujarat has prompted nationwide security concerns. To combat this, police have developed a new strategy involving local residents. They have formed WhatsApp groups where locals can report any suspicious activities. This initiative, started by Ahmedabad Railway SP Balram Meena, aims to prevent any future incidents by connecting locals with the railway system.

Locals to Report Suspicious Activity

SP Balram Meena told Divya Bhaskar that they are in constant contact with residents living near railway tracks through WhatsApp groups. Locals have been instructed to report any suspicious activity immediately, helping prevent future accidents.

Increased Patrolling by Railway Division

The Surat incident has prompted railway police, the Railway Protection Force, and central security agencies to increase patrols. To ensure the safety of passengers, regular checks and patrols are being conducted. RPF, Gujarat Police, and the Railway Division have intensified patrols in isolated areas. The dangerous plot to derail trains and endanger thousands of lives has put the police on high alert. To prevent further incidents, the police are now working closely with the public.

Police on High Alert

The police cannot be everywhere, which sometimes allows criminals to execute their plans. Train derailment plots have been ongoing in India for some time. To prevent such incidents from occurring in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, the police are now on high alert. Recently, a plot to derail a train on the Kim railway track in Surat was exposed.