An alleged attempt to derail the Tanakpur-Bareilly passenger train was foiled due to the alertness of the train’s loco pilot. The attempt to derail the train was made near Dohna station in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly.

The train was safely halted and no injuries were reported. The incident took place at around 11.58 pm on Sunday.

According to news agency PTI, unknown miscreants stuffed stones into the railway switch (track scissors) and placed large iron angles on the track near Dohna with the apparent intent to destabilise the train and cause a derailment.

The accident was foiled after the loco pilot noticed irregularities on the track and immediately applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a stop.

GRP, RPF, local police, and railway engineers reached the site and inspected the track.

Meanwhile, preliminary investigations confirmed that the railway earthing line had been tampered with, and iron structures were deliberately placed to cause damage.

An FIR has also been registered at the Bhojipura police station under relevant sections. An investigation has been launched to identify the culprits.

Railway authorities have increased security and intensified track patrolling across the region.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Izzatnagar division, Sanjeev Sharma, said that the RPF will lead the investigation into the incident.