Stone Pelting on Steel Express a severe act of vandalism: ARM Tatanagar
Jamshedpur, Jan 20: Howrah-Tatanagar Steel Express was pelted with stones by miscreants on Monday, January 20 night, causing significant damage to the train’s window panes and instilling fear among passengers. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has launched an investigation, and strict action is promised against those responsible for the attack.
Abhishek Singhal, Assistant Railway Manager (ARM) of Tatanagar Railway Station, confirmed the incident and stated that stone pelters targeted the 12813 Steel Express near Galudih and Rakhamines. Miscreants used ballast stones, commonly found along railway tracks, to attack the train. While no injuries were reported, the window glass of C-2 and D-4 coaches was completely shattered. Passengers seated near the windows were left shaken by the incident.
The incident occurred around 9 PM as the Steel Express was traveling from Howrah to Tatanagar. Eyewitnesses reported that a stone, weighing approximately two kilograms, broke through a window and fell onto a passenger’s plate as they were eating. Startled by the sudden impact, the passenger quickly moved away from their seat, narrowly avoiding injury.
ARM described the stone pelting as a severe act of vandalism, emphasizing that damaging railway property is a punishable offense. The RPF has been directed to identify and apprehend the culprits. “Those responsible will face strict legal consequences,” Singhal assured.
Rakesh Mohan, in-charge of the Tatanagar RPF post, stated that while no casualties or injuries occurred, the incident remains a serious matter. “Passengers have not filed any formal complaints, but we are thoroughly investigating the matter,” he said. The train’s driver and coach staff are being questioned as part of the probe.
This is not the first instance of stone pelting on trains in the region. In December 2024, a similar attack targeted the Vande Bharat Express near Adityapur station, resulting in a damaged window. Despite investigations, the perpetrators remain at large. The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns about passenger safety and the need for enhanced security measures.
Railway officials have expressed shock over the repeated targeting of passenger trains in the area. The local community has also condemned these acts of vandalism, which disrupt public safety and damage critical infrastructure.
The RPF has intensified surveillance along the tracks and is working to identify vulnerable spots prone to such attacks. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activity near railway tracks to prevent future incidents.
“We appeal to everyone to cooperate in ensuring the safety of our trains and passengers,” the ARM said, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to curb such offenses.
