Sriganganagar: The alleged network linked to Pakistan has been revealed in the investigation of the explosion on the railway track in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan. According to the investigating agencies, 21-year-old Mehakdeep Kaur of Gurdaspur, Punjab was first contacted by suspected handlers based in Pakistan through love affairs and then prepared to carry out the blast on the railway track. In this case, the police have arrested Mahakdeep and his 23-year-old associate Devendra Singh. The agencies suspect that both were getting instructions from Pakistan. Now, by expanding the scope of investigation, other people associated with this network and their contacts are being searched.
How did you connect with the people of Pak after your husband went to jail?
Investigation has revealed that Mehakdeep’s husband is in jail in a case under NDPS Act. During this time, he was identified with two suspicious people sitting in Pakistan. During interrogation, Mahakdeep revealed their names as Shah and Chacha. Police suspect that these are not real names but codenames used to hide the identity of the handlers.
According to the investigating agencies, one of these persons first grew close to Mehakdeep. Later, he was allegedly taken into confidence and connected to the network. It is alleged that he was lured with money and prepared for activities like gathering information about sensitive places and explosions. The agencies are also finding out what the role of ISI in this contact and whether other people are also being targeted in a similar manner.
When did the attempt to target the train take place?
According to ATS investigation, the role of Mahakdeep and Devendra has come to light in the blast that took place on November 3 on Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line. It is alleged that both of them tried several times to plant explosives on the railway track. Finally, on November 3, at around 9:45 pm, there was an explosion near village 50 GB. The investigating agencies suspect that the target of this conspiracy was the passenger train from Anupgarh to Bathinda, which departs from Anupgarh at around 6 in the morning.
However, before the blast, a train going from Anupgarh towards Suratgarh had passed through that track. Due to the explosion, two to three concrete sleepers installed under the railway line broke and got damaged. The rebar inside the sleeper came out and the clips connecting the tracks were also uprooted.
What was recovered from the accused?
Both were arrested in a joint action by Rajasthan ATS, Sriganganagar Police and Punjab Police. Police have recovered two foreign pistols, 46 live cartridges and Rs 30,000 from their possession. The investigating agencies suspect that the recovered money was given to carry out the blast.
Now the police are busy identifying the source of weapons, arrangement of explosives and the people who gave instructions to the accused. The mobile phones, digital contacts and money transactions of both are also being investigated.
What is the connection with Gangapur City case?
Earlier, a woman named Babita had also been arrested in Gangapur City in connection with suspected contacts with Pakistan in Rajasthan. In that case also, it was revealed that the woman was in contact with suspicious people sitting in Pakistan.
In the cases of Sri Ganganagar and Gangapur City, the agencies are investigating any common link between the two after the alleged method of connecting them to the network by getting closer to the women came to light. At present the main focus of the investigation is on contacts with Pakistan, funding and identification of other people involved in this conspiracy.
