Two arrested in connection with Rajasthan railway track blast
A woman and her accomplice from Punjab were arrested for a November 3 explosion in Sri Ganganagar.
A 21-year-old woman and her 23-year-old male accomplice from Gurdaspur, Punjab, were arrested on Saturday in connection with a railway track explosion in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, according to Pragativadi. The arrests were conducted in a coordinated operation involving the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Sri Ganganagar Police, and Punjab Counter Intelligence.
The blast occurred on November 3 around 9:45 pm near 50 GB village on the Anupgarh–Suratgarh railway line. The explosion damaged two concrete sleepers and left a two-foot crater. A passenger train had passed through the area approximately 45 minutes before the incident.
Investigators believe the duo acted on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers identified as Shah and Chacha, who are suspected to be associated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rajasthan ATS Additional Director General of Police Dinesh MN stated the woman had been communicating with the handlers via WhatsApp for nearly 15 months.
Police said the suspects made two failed attempts before the November 3 blast. An attempt on October 6 was aborted due to a lack of explosives, while a timer bomb planted on October 12 or 13 failed to detonate due to a technical glitch.
The operation yielded two foreign-made pistols, 46 live cartridges, and ₹30,000 allegedly paid for the sabotage. Three additional suspects have been detained for providing logistical support, including a motorcycle and shelter.
Dinesh MN noted that handlers may use romantic overtures and financial inducements to recruit women. The investigation is currently focused on tracing money trails and identifying other members of the suspected network.