New Delhi: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) swung into action after some miscreants pelted stones on the Shatabdi Express last evening, on which Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief was travelling and apprehended two suspects.

The RPF and UP police, in a joint operation, zeroed in on two suspects, believed to be rag-pickers, after scanning CCTV footage and apprehended them.

Incident Near Firozabad Section of Prayagraj Division

The stone-pelting incident happened on Thursday evening when Lucknow-New Delhi Swarn Shatabdi Express, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on board, was passing through Firozabad station of Prayagraj division.

The windowpane of the AC first class coach was broken in the incident; however, neither the RSS chief nor any passenger suffered any injury.

Stone Hits AC First Class Coach Window

The train had crossed Makkhanpur station and was moving through Firozabad district when a stone struck the windowpane of the E-1 coach.

Railways Additional Director General (ADG) SK Bhagwat briefed reporters, saying:
“When the Swarna Shatabdi Express was passing through around 7:15 PM, in which Mohan Bhagwat was also travelling, someone threw a stone, breaking the windowpane of the AC First Class coach. Fortunately, no one was injured.”

RPF, Police Launch Investigation and Security Review

According to a statement issued by the Railways, the stone hit the window of seat number 54 of the AC first class coach. There was no human injury nor any damage to the interior of the express train.

When the train reached Tundla station, additional RPF personnel were deployed for passenger safety. The local police along with RPF subsequently launched an investigation and lodged a case under Section 152 of the Railway Act on the complaint of an RPF personnel.

Accused Seen in CCTV Footage

The two suspects were nabbed after CCTV cameras installed in the area captured them roaming nearby. One of the ragpickers was also seen on camera allegedly throwing a stone at the express train.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident and are examining whether there was any sinister motive behind the act.