Stone-Pelting incidents target 4 Vande Bharat trains in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Vande Bharat Express Train To Run Between Kalaburagi And Bengaluru
Four Vande Bharat trains faced stone-pelting attacks by unidentified individuals in separate incidents across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, passing through the South Western Railway (SWR) zone.
The incidents occurred on Sunday in the Bengaluru division of SWR, resulting in damaged window panes on the trains. Fortunately, no passengers or staff suffered injuries.
Three distinct cases have been registered in connection with each stone-pelting incident. SWR officials are urging the public and passengers to report any instances of trespassing or stone pelting on the toll-free helpline number (139). Emphasizing that railway property is public property, the SWR appeals to everyone’s responsibility in protecting it.
The first incident took place at 6:15 am involving the Dharwad Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20661) after passing Chikkabanavara railway station. The second incident occurred at 3:20 pm as the train (No. 20662) was en route from Dharwad to Bangalore City Junction. The third incident transpired at 4:30 pm when the train (No. 20608) from Mysore Junction to Chennai Central was targeted near Kuppam station in Andhra Pradesh. The fourth incident happened at 8 pm as the train (No. 20704) passed near Dharmavaram Junction in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Railway Act, and investigations are underway to apprehend the culprits.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has increased patrols in vulnerable spots within the Bengaluru division to prevent future stone-pelting incidents on trains.
