Security enhanced in view of threat to blow up Garib Rath train

Alok Mishra

Patna: Government Rail Police (GRP) has intensified checking in different long distance trains after it was alerted by intelligence sources about threat to blow up Garib Rath Train. The intelligence agencies have also alerted GRP over threats to some of the major railway stations of Bihar including Patna Junction, Patna Saheb, Rajendra Nagar terminal, Danapur, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Katihar and Motihari.

After an abortive bid to blow up track near Ghorasahan in East Champaran in 2016, even senior GRP  officials unofficially admit danger to rail tracks. The hands of ISI came to the fore in Kanpur rail tragedy in November 2016 and NIA is investigating into it. An NIA team recently visited Motihari to interrogate some of the arrested persons.

When contacted on February 1Wednesday, SP (Rail), Patna, Jitendra Mishra admitted that intelligence sources have alerted about likely attempt to blow up Garib Rath. He said that soon after getting the alert, surveillance has been increased in different trains. The safety of railway stations have been enhanced, Mishra said adding that GRP men in civies have been deployed in several trains including Garib Rath.

Mishra said that the number of RPF men has been increased in several trains and even coolies have been asked to remain alert and keep an eye on suspicious elements. Besides all other steps, dog squads have been pressed into  action, he said. He, however, denied that GRP has received any information about threats to railway stations in Bihar.