In a clear act to derail the ongoing peace process between Indian and Pakistan, terrorists attacked Samjhauta Express on Sunday night. Until yet the government officials were not confirmed whether the blasts were planned or not. Loopholes in railway security have been exposed once again with suspected terrorists planting explosives on a highly protected peace train.
At least 64 people died and more than 50 passengers injured in the attack when two bogies of Samjhauta Express caught fire. The incident happened near Panipat district at 11:15 pm on Sunday. There were over 600 passengers in the 10-coach train. The two coaches that caught fire were general bogies.
The fire broke out in the two bogies of the train at Shiva Village in Panipat district. After the incident, the injured people rushed to a nearby civil hospital. The district administration has said the initial investigations reveal that there were explosives planted in the train.
Later, two live bombs have been recovered from the train. The security personnel diffused the bombs as they found the live bombs.
Union Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav said on the attack;
Government is conducting an enquiry into the incident. Police have recovered Arms and explosives from the site.
Some elements are trying to disturb the peace process between two nations. This is a cowardice act.
Earlier, the bi-weekly train had left the Old Delhi Railway Station at 10:40 pm on Sunday. Later, people noticed fire in last two bogies as it reached a railway crossing near the village.
Some of the eyewitnesses said they heard an explosion before the train caught fire.
The charred bogies were separated from the train and the train left at 3 am to its destination.
The Northern Railway General Manger V N Mathur has given a sign that the blasts were planned. He said the police have recovered two suitcases, one from the rail track and one from the train. This looks like a case of sabotage. The suitcases had contained IEDs.
However, V K Duggal, Home secretary said;
Yet there was no specific information about the incident prior to the mishap. Sabotage cannot be ruled out but I have not received any such report.
