ATS begins probe into series of rail mishaps

Sensing foulplay in increasing number of train derailments, the Anti -Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Mumbai has started probing the matter. According to sources, the ATS personnel started the probe on the complaint of a resident of Uttar Pradesh, who apprised the ATS about involvement of militants as well as extremists in “plotting” series of train derailments.

According to sources, a person named Basant Kumar had approached Kalyan railway station master and informed him about operation of training camps, in which gang members were trained about different ways to derail the trains carrying passengers of all categories.

“Kumar, who hails from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh and works in a restaurant in Mumbai, was sent to ATS, where he told the ATS personnel about such camps. Surprisingly, Kumar remain untraceable for few days after he had briefed about the training camps to ATS, but on January 13, he again called Railway Protection Force with his new number,” the source said, adding that Kumar has left Mumbai fearing that he may be killed.

“The ATS has constituted teams to investigate the matter and a letter has also been written to Railways Ministry for essential co-operation. The ATS has raised doubts over the selection of accidents spots – outer areas of Kanpur. The team is also probing the reasons of the mishap as both the major accidents took place due to track fracture,” the source said.