In a dramatic turn of events, the Somnath Express, running between Rajasthan and Jammu, was halted for six hours at Ferozepur after an anonymous call claimed that a bomb was on board. The incident caused significant panic and disruption, but later turned out to be a false alarm.

Emergency Evacuation of Passengers

The railway administration acted swiftly upon receiving the bomb threat. The Somnath Express was stopped at Khasu Begu railway station at 7:42 AM. All passengers were immediately evacuated from the train to ensure their safety while the police conducted a thorough search.

Police Investigation and False Alarm

Upon receiving the bomb threat, a team of railway police and bomb disposal squads were dispatched to Khasu Begu station. The entire train was meticulously searched, but no explosive device was found. The authorities later confirmed that the call was a hoax. Following this, the Punjab Police shared information with the West Bengal Police, leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for the false alarm in the South 24 Parganas district.

Details of the Train and Its Route

The Somnath Express is a prominent train service that operates between Jammu Tawi station in Jammu and Kashmir and Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station in Rajasthan. The train is known for connecting two important regions, facilitating travel for thousands of passengers daily. The bomb threat disrupted not only the passengers’ travel plans but also the overall railway schedule.

Arrest of the Hoax Caller

The quick coordination between the Punjab Police and the West Bengal Police led to the apprehension of the suspect. The accused, identified from South 24 Parganas district, was arrested for making the hoax call that led to widespread panic and significant disruption. Authorities are now investigating the motive behind the false alarm and considering stringent actions to deter such incidents in the future.

Impact on Passengers

The bomb threat caused considerable distress among the passengers of Somnath Express. Many were forced to wait at the station for hours without knowing the nature of the threat or when they would be able to resume their journey. The railway administration provided necessary assistance to the stranded passengers, ensuring their safety and comfort during the ordeal.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by railway authorities in ensuring the safety and security of passengers. While the threat turned out to be false, the prompt action by the police and railway staff ensured that no harm came to the passengers. The incident also underscores the need for robust security measures and swift inter-agency coordination to handle such emergencies effectively.

As the investigation continues, the authorities are determined to take strict measures against the hoax caller to prevent such disruptive incidents in the future. The safety of passengers remains a top priority for the railway administration, and they are committed to maintaining a secure travel environment.