By A potentially serious security incident was averted on Thursday evening after unidentified individuals allegedly pelted stones at the Swarn Shatabdi Express while RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was travelling onboard. Railway authorities acted swiftly, and within hours, two suspects were identified and taken into custody.
The incident took place near Firozabad station in Uttar Pradesh when the Lucknow–New Delhi Swarn Shatabdi was approaching the station limits around 7:20 pm. Although the stone struck a coach carrying Bhagwat, no passenger was injured and train operations continued without disruption.
According to railway officials, Mohan Bhagwat was travelling in the AC First Class coach (E1) during the journey. The stone reportedly hit the outer portion of a window near seat number 51. While the impact damaged the exterior glass, the inner protective layer remained intact, preventing any harm to passengers inside the compartment.
The incident immediately triggered a security review as senior railway officials and security agencies assessed the situation. Given Bhagwat’s presence on the train, authorities treated the matter with utmost seriousness and launched a rapid investigation.
Railway officials said CCTV footage from the area was examined soon after the incident. The footage helped investigators identify the individuals allegedly involved in the stone-pelting. Based on the evidence collected, two persons were arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of the accused or the motive behind the act. Investigators are examining whether it was a deliberate attempt targeting the train or a case of reckless behaviour that endangered passengers and railway property.
The incident once again highlights the recurring challenge of stone-pelting on moving trains, a problem that has led to injuries, property damage and safety concerns across several railway routes in the country. Railway authorities have repeatedly appealed to the public to refrain from such acts, warning that they can lead to serious accidents and strict legal action.
Security arrangements around trains carrying high-profile individuals are generally heightened, and Thursday’s incident is likely to prompt a review of safety measures on sensitive routes.
Meanwhile, railway officials confirmed that Mohan Bhagwat remained safe throughout the journey and that there was no impact on the train’s schedule. The investigation is continuing, and authorities are expected to determine whether any additional individuals were involved in the incident.
The swift identification and arrest of the suspects through CCTV surveillance has been seen as a significant breakthrough, helping security agencies respond quickly and prevent further concerns.
