In a concerning series of incidents, miscreants targeted three different Vande Bharat trains within the South Western Railway Zone in Bengaluru on a single day, pelting stones and causing damage to the glass window panes of the coaches. Although no injuries were reported, the incidents highlight the vulnerability of these high-speed trains to malicious activities.
The first attack occurred at 6:15 am as the KSR Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20661) passed Chikkabanavara railway station in Bengaluru Railway Division. Miscreants threw stones at coach C6, damaging the window panes in seats 40, 41, and 42. The second incident transpired around 3:20 pm during the return journey of the Dharwad-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20662) between Haveri and Harihar railway stations in Mysuru Division, targeting coach C5.
The third and final incident occurred at 4:30 pm on the Mysuru-MGR Central Vande Bharat, just 200 metres before Kuppam station in Bengaluru Division. A miscreant targeted coach C4, damaging the glass panes in seats 40, 41, and 42. All cases have been booked under Sections 147 (Trespassing on railway track) and Section 153 (Endangering the safety of persons traveling by railway by willful act or omission).
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has taken stringent action against such incidents in the past, resulting in a significant reduction in stone-pelting cases on Vande Bharat trains from July to December last year. However, the recent surge in attacks underscores the need for continued vigilance. RPF officials noted that 45 arrests were made in stone-pelting cases on Vande Bharat trains during that period, with nearly 70 percent involving minors who engage in such activities for amusement. The RPF hands over these cases to juvenile courts, which determine appropriate actions. In cases involving adults, charges are filed under the Railway Act.
The sudden spike in stone-pelting incidents on Sunday has prompted heightened security measures, and railway authorities are working diligently to apprehend those responsible. These regrettable events underscore the imperative for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of passengers and the integrity of railway operations.
