Drunken Altercation Sparks Sabotage Scare on Bengaluru Express
In a bizarre incident early Monday morning, the Murdeshwar Express, operating between Murdeshwar and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal in Bengaluru, was forced to make an emergency halt near Channapatna. The sudden stop occurred after a large gunny bag was hurled at the locomotive engine, triggering immediate safety concerns.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Upon the impact, the loco pilot swiftly applied the brakes, bringing the superfast train to a standstill after traveling approximately half a furlong. Railway personnel, including the pilot and guards, quickly inspected the bag and discovered it contained a gas stove, a cylinder, and various paper documents, notably a bank passbook. Authorities were alerted, and railway police promptly launched an investigation into the potential threat.
Superintendent of Railways Sarah Fathima provided details, stating, "There was no explosive material found in the bag. The gas stove was severely mangled, and the cylinder sustained partial damage. Our examination identified the bank passbook as belonging to an individual named Pintoo."
Unraveling the Motive Behind the Incident
Railway police traced the bank branch to Channapatna, where they located Pintoo, who worked as an assistant at a local steel manufacturing factory situated close to the railway tracks. Pintoo cooperated with investigators, revealing that the gunny bag had been thrown by his colleague and roommate, Vinod Kumar.
According to Pintoo's confession, the incident stemmed from a drunken altercation on Sunday night. Pintoo, Vinod Kumar, and another roommate, Vijay Shankar, all hailing from Uttar Pradesh and employed at the steel factory, consumed alcohol together. A heated argument escalated into a physical fight, with Pintoo and Shankar assaulting Kumar.
"In a fit of rage after the others fell asleep, Vinod packed Pintoo's gas stove, cylinder, and bank documents into the gunny bag and discarded it onto the railway track. By chance, it struck the passing locomotive engine," explained Fathima. Following the act, Vinod fled to Jigani but was apprehended by Tuesday.
Legal Actions and Consequences
Railway police have registered a sabotage case against Vinod Kumar for his reckless actions. Meanwhile, Pintoo and Vijay Shankar were required to provide a written undertaking, pledging not to engage in such violent disputes in the future. This incident highlights the severe repercussions of alcohol-fueled conflicts, nearly causing a major railway disruption.
The swift response by railway officials ensured no injuries or further damage, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility near critical infrastructure like railway lines.
