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Security Alert for Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch After RPF Warns of Stone-Pelting

The Railway Protection Force has written to Kaliachak Police in Malda, expressing serious apprehension that the inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train could be targeted with stones and black flags after its launch. Intelligence inputs, based on an email from an informant, suggest a conspiracy by miscreants to attack the train at specific stations along its route from Malda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Howrah and Guwahati on Friday afternoon. This pre-emptive security alert follows past incidents of stone-pelting on Vande Bharat trains, prompting authorities to ensure strict law and order arrangements.

Key Points: RPF Warns of Stone Attack on New Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

  • RPF warns of planned attack
  • Intel points to stone-pelting & black flags
  • Security beefed up at multiple stations
  • PM Modi to inaugurate train Friday
2 min read

RPF writes to Kaliachak Police over possible stoning of Vande Bharat Sleeper train once it leaves Malda after inauguration by PM

RPF alerts police over potential stone-pelting and black flag protest against PM Modi's inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda. Security heightened.

"It is feared that stones might be thrown at the train at Jamirghata, Khaltipur, Chamgram, Shankhpara, New Farakka... - RPF Letter"

Kolkata, Jan 17

Ahead of the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train's launch, the Railway Protection Force has written a letter to the Officer-in-Charge of Kaliachak Police Station in Malda, expressing apprehension on the possible attack on the train with stones.

On Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Railway Station.

Before that, Intelligence reports have indicated a potential attack. It is learnt that the letter sent by the RPF to the IC of Kaliachak Police Station expresses concerns that after the Vande Bharat Sleeper train departs, it might be targeted with stones, and black flags might be shown against the Prime Minister.

The police have been instructed to make appropriate security arrangements so that the incident does not take place.

The letter from the RPF mentions that a person named Subodh Kumar Sau informed them via email that some miscreants were conspiring to throw stones at the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and show black flags.

It is feared that stones might be thrown at the train at Jamirghata, Khaltipur, Chamgram, Shankhpara, New Farakka, Ballalpur, Dhulian, Basudevpur and Tildanga stations after it leaves Malda station.

Black flags might also be displayed. Therefore, the Kaliachak police have been asked to ensure adequate police security at these stations. They have been instructed to ensure that the law and order situation does not deteriorate in any way.

Incidentally, there have been several incidents of stones being thrown at the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express in the past. The railways had taken strict action in those cases.

This time, to ensure that no untoward incident occurs involving the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the RPF has pre-emptively written to the IC of Kaliachak Police Station.

On Friday, the Prime Minister will travel to Malda Town Railway Station to flag off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at around 12.45 pm.

He will also virtually launch the Guwahati-Howrah return service. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper marks a significant step for Indian Railways, bringing premium overnight travel to routes linking eastern and north-eastern India.

The 16-coach train, to be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, will feature 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently to the Northeast for work, a sleeper Vande Bharat is fantastic news! It's a shame that security concerns are overshadowing the launch. Hope the police ensure a safe journey for all passengers.
A
Arjun K
While the train is a great initiative, the government should also address the local grievances that lead to such protests. Stone-throwing is wrong, but ignoring the root causes in places like Malda won't solve anything in the long run. Just my two paise.
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Priyanka N
Very excited for this train! 🚄 Finally, a modern sleeper option for that route. The security alert is concerning, but I'm glad authorities are on top of it. Let's focus on the positive - better connectivity for the Northeast!
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Vikram M
This is a pattern now. Every time a new development project is launched, there are threats. It hurts our country's image. We need to support our railways, they are trying to modernize. Strong action against the miscreants is a must.
K
Karthik V
The intelligence about specific stations is very detailed. Hope the police deployment is equally thorough. A single stone can cause a major accident. Safety of passengers is paramount. Good job by the person who alerted via email.

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