Madhya Pradesh army train case: Railway employee gets six years for track detonator

A railway court sentenced trackman Sabir alias Shabbir to six years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined him INR 5,000 for setting off a detonator on tracks in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, stopping a special army train on 18 September 2024. The Railway Protection Force said evidence and witness statements supported the conviction under the Railways Act.

A railway court sentenced railway trackman Sabir alias Shabbir to six years of rigorous imprisonment. The case involved a special army train stopped in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh in 2024. The court also ordered a Rs 5,000 fine. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) shared the details in a statement.

Investigators said the train halted on September 18, 2024, after a detonator exploded on the tracks. The blast occurred between Dongargaon and Sagphata stations. The special army train was travelling from Jammu and Kashmir to Karnataka. Officials recovered torn detonator pieces and shells from the spot.

RPF railway court verdict in Khandwa case

The RPF said the court relied on witness statements and other evidence. It found Sabir alias Shabbir guilty under the Railway Property Unlawful Possession Act. The court also applied relevant provisions of the Railways Act. The statement said the court viewed the offence as serious because Sabir was employed by the railways.

RPF probe details on special army train stoppage

The RPF said its dog squad played a key role during the investigation. A dog named James followed a scent trail for about eight kilometres. The trail started from the blast site and led investigators to Sabir, the statement said. Officials later questioned Sabir about the incident.

During interrogation, Sabir confessed to the act, the statement said. Several agencies joined the probe alongside the RPF. These included the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The state police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and local police also took part.

The court’s order brought the 2024 investigation to a close with a prison term and fine. The case centred on the detonator blast that forced the special army train to stop. The RPF said the judgment followed a review of evidence and testimony. Agencies involved in the probe supported the case during proceedings.

With inputs from PTI