Jaipur/Chandigarh: Two people, including a 21-year-old woman, have been arrested from Punjab’s Gurdaspur in connection with the November 3 railway track blast near Ramsinghpur in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district. Investigators suspect that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and were allegedly paid to carry out the explosion on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line.
Who Has Been Arrested?
The arrested accused have been identified as Mahakdeep Kaur, 21, and Devendra Singh, 22. Both are residents of Gurdaspur district in Punjab
They were arrested on November 14 in a joint operation carried out by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Sri Ganganagar Police, Punjab Counter Intelligence and Gurdaspur Police. The operation was conducted after investigators received technical inputs and intelligence about the suspected involvement of the two accused.
Police said the arrests were made after questioning the suspects. The Rajasthan ATS team was led by probationary IPS officer Nitin Chaudhary, while the ATS Bikaner unit was led by Surendra Kumar.
What Happened on November 3?
The explosion took place at around 9.45 pm on November 3 on a railway track near Ramsinghpur in Sri Ganganagar district. The blast occurred on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line, close to the India-Pakistan border.
The explosion damaged two railway sleepers and created a crater about 2.5 feet deep on the track. Police said the blast caused damage to the railway infrastructure, though there was no immediate report of casualties.
An Anupgarh-Suratgarh passenger train had passed through the same stretch of track approximately 75 minutes before the explosion. This has raised serious concerns about the potential danger to passengers and railway operations.
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Pakistan Link Under Investigation
According to preliminary investigation, Mahakdeep Kaur was allegedly in contact with two Pakistan-based handlers. One of them was identified as Shah, while the other was referred to as Chacha.
Police suspect that the handlers used romantic conversations and financial assistance to lure Kaur into the alleged conspiracy. Investigators believe that the accused were acting on instructions from the Pakistan-based handlers to execute the railway track blast.
Police officials have also indicated that the handler identified as Chacha may have links with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). However, these are preliminary investigative findings and the full extent of the alleged cross-border network is still being examined.
How the Alleged Conspiracy Began
Investigators said that Mahakdeep Kaur’s husband, Karanveer Singh, had earlier been arrested in Punjab in a narcotics smuggling case. After his arrest, Kaur allegedly came into contact with Pakistan-based handlers.
The police claim that Kaur was allegedly trapped through online conversations and monetary inducements. She was reportedly instructed by the handlers to carry out the explosion on the railway track.
The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly received payments through online channels. Police are now examining financial transactions, social media accounts and other digital evidence to identify the full chain of communication.
Earlier Attempts to Trigger Blast
According to police, the accused initially planned to carry out an explosion on October 6 in the Ramsinghpur area. However, the plan could not be executed because an explosive device was not available at that time.
Later, a timer bomb allegedly provided by Shah was placed on the railway track between October 12 and 13. But the device failed to explode due to technical defects.
After the failure of the earlier attempt, another timer bomb was allegedly supplied by the Pakistani handler. This device was used to carry out the blast on November 3.
Arms, Cash and Other Recoveries
During the operation, police recovered two foreign-made pistols, 46 live cartridges and ₹30,000 in cash from the possession of the accused. The cash is alleged to have been paid for carrying out the blast.
Police also took three other individuals into custody. These persons are suspected of helping the accused by providing accommodation, a motorcycle and transport to the crime scene.
Investigators are now trying to establish whether these three persons were directly involved in the conspiracy or were only aware of the accused’s movements. Their mobile phones, financial records and connections with the main accused are likely to be examined.
Why Ramsinghpur Was Chosen
Police believe that the Ramsinghpur area was selected deliberately to avoid suspicion. Investigators suspect that the handlers wanted to use a woman to execute the operation so that the plan would attract less attention.
The choice of a railway track near the border has also raised concerns about the security of railway infrastructure in border districts. Railway tracks are considered sensitive assets, and any explosion on them can disrupt passenger services and create panic among local residents.
Police Alert on Online Honeytrap
The Rajasthan Police have warned people to stay away from suspicious social media accounts and contacts linked to Pakistan-based handlers or criminal gangs. Officials said that online romantic conversations and money offers are being used to trap vulnerable people into criminal activities.
The police also referred to an earlier case in which a woman named Babita from Gangapur City was allegedly lured into contact with Pakistani agents through a romantic relationship. Investigators believe that similar tactics are being used to recruit people for anti-national activities.
Investigation Continues
The two arrested accused are being questioned in connection with the FIR registered at Ramsinghpur police station. Further investigation is underway to identify other persons involved in the alleged network and to establish the extent of their links with Pakistan-based handlers.
Police are examining:
- The role of the three persons taken into custody.
- The source of the pistols and cartridges recovered from the accused.
- The online communication between the accused and the alleged handlers.
- The financial transactions linked to the alleged payment of ₹30,000.
- The possibility of additional targets or planned attacks.
- The movement of explosives and timer devices used in the blast.
Public Advisory Issued
Rajasthan Police have appealed to citizens to report any suspicious activity related to gangsters, anti-national elements or criminal networks. Information can be shared with the Rajasthan ATS through its control room number 0141-2601583 or WhatsApp number 9001999070. The identity of informants will be kept confidential.
What Happens Next?
The accused are expected to be produced before the appropriate court as the investigation progresses. The Rajasthan ATS may seek custody remand for further interrogation and may also approach the court for permission to examine digital devices, bank records and communication data.
If the allegations are established, the case could involve serious charges under Indian laws relating to explosives, railway property, criminal conspiracy and anti-national activities. The final legal position will depend on the evidence collected by investigators and the charges framed in court.
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