Representative image showing a railway track.
Credit: iStocks Photo
Mangaluru: Unknown miscreants allegedly placed track ballast (gravel and stones) on the railway track , causing loud noises when two trains passed over them, prompting locals to rush towards the tracks, near Thokkottu overbridge.
Women near the Thokkottu overbridge, returning from a Koragajja ritual, spotted two strangers on the tracks. By the time they reached home, a train had already passed towards Kerala, accompanied by a loud noise.
Initially, locals did not take it seriously. However, when another train passed, the noise recurred, causing vibrations in some nearby houses. Upon rushing to the tracks, locals found the stones had been crushed.
The teams of railway police and the railway protection force rushed to the spot immediately. They also found stones crushed by the side of the tracks. The railway police have enhanced night patrolling.
Matter of concern
Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has urged the Congress led state government and police to consider the issue seriously. The incident was an attempt to derail trains.
Quoting locals, the MLA said the train passed over the track ballasts, causing significant vibrations, leading local residents to feel as though the train had derailed.
Upon inspection, several stones were found crushed on the tracks. A few months ago, similar destructive acts were reported in nearby Kasaragod, where stones, iron rods, and concrete pieces were placed on the tracks to derail trains. The recurrence of such acts in Mangaluru has created an atmosphere of anxiety among the locals, the MLA added.
The MLA said "recently, Pakistan-backed terrorist organisations have threatened to derail trains across India, with attempts reported in various parts of the country. Sleeper cells of terrorists are reportedly operating in the state, and illegal infiltrators from Pakistan and Bangladesh have been apprehended in the coastal and state regions, all indicating a coordinated threat. A thorough investigation should be conducted from all angles to bring those attempting such destructive acts to justice."
Locals have expressed concerns over frequent gatherings of unknown individuals under the overpass. Residents say they have repeatedly complained to the Ullal police, and they are now urging the authorities to take swift action before a more serious incident occurs.
As a precaution, locals have called for the installation of CCTV cameras in the area to prevent future acts of sabotage.