New Delhi: Almost a week after Farhatullah Ghori, the alleged mastermind behind the March 1 Rameshwaram Cafe blast, called on Muslim youth in India to target railways and transportation networks, an attempt was made to derail the Prayagraj-bound Kalindi Express by placing an LPG cylinder on the tracks on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday. 

Following the incident, all investigative agencies are on high alert. The train derailment attempt is also being investigated from a terrorist conspiracy angle.  Security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS), have initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter.

An FIR has also been filed regarding the matter (Kalindi Express derailment) and several investigative teams have been formed to look into the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has initiated a separate investigation into the matter.

Kalindi Express Derailment Attempt

An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express, heading towards Bhiwani from Prayagraj, by placing an LPG cylinder on the tracks in the Shivrajpur area of Kanpur. The train hit the cylinder before coming to a screeching halt. Due to being hit by the train, the cylinder was thrown away from the tracks. 

An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express by placing the LPG cylinder on the tracks. Soon after receiving information about the incident around 8.20 am on Sunday, senior officials rushed to the site and launched an investigation into the matter.  

ALSO READ: Who is Farhatullah Ghori? ISI-Backed Terrorist Who Called For Train Attacks Across India  

How The Derailment Was Averted?   

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chandra said the loco pilot saw that the LPG cylinder was placed on the tracks and applied the emergency brakes. The train hit the cylinder before coming to a halt and as a result, the cylinder moved away from the tracks. The loco pilot informed the guard and the gateman about the incident.  

The train was stationed at the incident site for about 20 minutes and was again stopped at the Bilhaur station for investigation, the ACP said. The damaged cylinder has been recovered. A bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also recovered from the spot.  

ALSO READ: 'Will Strike Terror Into Their Heart', Rameshwaram Cafe Blast Mastermind's Brazen Threat to India  

Kalindi Express Derailment Attempt: IS Conspiracy Suspected  

Following the attempt to derail the Prayagraj-bound Kalindi Express, sources closely monitoring the situation have raised concerns about ISIS' involvement. The speculation comes in light of the recent call by Farhatullah Ghori, the alleged mastermind behind the Rameshwaram cafe blast. 

What Ghori Had Threatened?

A video released by Farhatullah Ghori last month on various Telegram channels has revealed alarming details of his plans to disrupt India’s infrastructure. In the video, Ghori, who is backed by ISIS, explicitly urged Muslim youth in India to target railways and other transportation networks. He also disclosed his intentions to sabotage the country’s supply chain and economy by attacking petroleum pipelines and Hindu leaders. 

Ghori criticized the Indian government's measures to weaken extremist sleeper cells through the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), vowing, “But we will return and shake the government.”

Who Is Farhatullah Ghori?

• Farhatullah Ghori, known by aliases such as Abu Sufyan, Sardar Sahab, and Faru, is a key figure in Pakistan 's terror network and a prominent associate of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
• He is currently orchestrating operations from Pakistan . His sleeper cells, which are active across both Pakistan and India, were reportedly behind the recent blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, aided by ISI's support.
• The recent arrest of Rizwan, a terrorist linked to the ISIS module by the Delhi Police Special Cell was said to be in contact with Ghori.  
• Ghori has been implicated in several high-profile terrorist attacks, including the brutal assault on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat in 2002 and the deadly suicide bombing at the Task Force office in Hyderabad in 2005.
• Recognizing the severity of his actions, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India took decisive action against Ghori in October 2020. Under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967, as amended in 2019, Ghori was officially designated as a terrorist. His name was added to the Fourth Schedule of the UAPA, cementing his status as a major threat to national security.
• Ghori's designation as a terrorist is part of India's broader strategy to curb terrorism and dismantle networks that threaten the safety and security of its citizens.