Rampur (UP), Sep 19 (PTI) A potential train accident was averted here after the loco pilot of the Naini Jan Shatabdi Express spotted an iron pole on the tracks and applied emergency brakes, with officials alleging it could be an act of sabotage.

"On 18.09.24 at 22.18hrs, Loco Pilot of train number 12091 reported to Station Master/ Rudrapur City that he found one 6 metre long iron pole on track between Bilaspur Road and Rudrapur City," the spokesperson said suggesting an act of sabotage to safe train operation.

Also Read | Women Drink Liquor During 'Reclaim the Night', Their Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility: TMC Leader Swapan Debnath Latest to Court Controversy in RG Kar Case.

"The driver stopped the train to clear the track. He started the train safely afterwards," the spokesperson said.

Of late, some railway divisions have reported cases in which obstructions in the form of gas cylinders, boulders or broken rails have been placed on the railway tracks with an intent to cause damage to train operations.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu Factory Explosion: Autorickshaw Driver Killed After Fire Breaks Out at Sri Lakshmi Fireworks Unit at Sevalpatti in Virudhunagar.

The divisions have lodged FIRs in these cases and investigations are going on to trace the anti-social elements and prosecute them.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)