Firozabad: A major security scare unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district on Thursday evening when unidentified miscreants allegedly pelted stones at the Lucknow–New Delhi Swarna Shatabdi Express. The incident gained significant attention after authorities confirmed that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat was travelling in the affected coach at the time of the attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Bhagwat remained completely safe.
According to officials from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Uttar Pradesh Police, the stone-pelting incident occurred between 7:15 pm and 7:20 pm when the prestigious Swarna Shatabdi Express was travelling from Kanpur towards New Delhi. The attack reportedly took place after the train crossed Makkhanpur station in the Firozabad rail section and reached the area near Pemeshwar Gate, located on the border of the Rasoolpur and Dakshin police station jurisdictions.
Officials said that several stones were thrown at the moving train. One large stone struck the window of the Executive Class E-1 coach, causing significant damage. The impact shattered the outer glass pane near seat number 50, creating panic among passengers inside the coach. Railway authorities later confirmed that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was travelling in the same coach, occupying seats 39 and 40.
North Central Railway officials stated that Bhagwat was seated on the opposite side of the coach from where the stone struck. As a result, he escaped any direct impact from the attack and was not harmed by shattered glass or debris. Other passengers in the coach also remained safe, and no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, railway and security authorities activated emergency security protocols. Instead of stopping the train at a smaller station or along the route, officials decided to allow it to continue directly to Tundla Junction, the nearest major railway station. The train arrived at Tundla Junction at approximately 7:34 pm, where a heavy security presence had already been arranged.
Personnel from the RPF, GRP, and local police immediately surrounded the train and conducted a security assessment. Due to the high-profile nature of the incident, Mohan Bhagwat was not asked to leave the coach. Senior officials entered the compartment, assessed the situation, and ensured his safety. After all necessary checks were completed, the train resumed its journey at around 7:41 pm and later reached New Delhi safely at 10:13 pm.
The seriousness of the incident prompted a swift response from senior law enforcement officials. Agra Zone Additional Director General (ADG) S.K. Bhagat, Agra Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shailendra Pandey, and Firozabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aditya Langhe rushed to the scene with additional police personnel to supervise the investigation.
SSP Aditya Langhe confirmed that an FIR has been registered against unidentified individuals at Rasoolpur police station based on a complaint lodged by the RPF. Investigators reviewed nearly 150 CCTV camera recordings from areas surrounding the railway track and reportedly identified three juveniles suspected of involvement in the stone-pelting. Police have also detained one suspect for questioning and are continuing efforts to trace and apprehend others connected to the incident.
Authorities noted that the railway stretch where the attack occurred has witnessed similar stone-pelting incidents in the past and is considered a vulnerable section. Joint teams comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG), surveillance units, and personnel from multiple police stations have been deployed to conduct raids and strengthen security in the area.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those responsible for endangering passenger safety and disrupting railway operations on one of the country’s important train routes.
