Patiala: A suspected bomber was killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off prematurely while being planted on a dedicated freight corridor track near Bathonia village in Punjab’s Patiala district late Monday night.
Police said the blast occurred around 10 pm between Rajpura and Shambhu. Varun Sharma described it as a low-intensity explosion and confirmed that the deceased was a resident of Tarn Taran, though his identity has not yet been publicly disclosed pending family notification.
Investigators are examining possible links to a terror module and whether the incident is part of a broader attempt to disrupt freight movement in the region. No group has claimed responsibility so far.
This marks the second such incident targeting railway infrastructure in Punjab this year. In January, a blast near Khanpur village in Fatehgarh Sahib district damaged tracks, derailed a goods train engine and injured the loco pilot.
At the site, authorities recovered a damaged mobile phone, two motorcycles, wires and suspected explosive material. Forensic teams are analysing soil and chemical residues to determine the composition of the device. Officials have not disclosed further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Rail traffic on the affected route was briefly suspended to allow evidence collection and emergency repairs before being restored within hours, officials said.
A case has been registered under provisions of the Railways Act related to attempts to sabotage train operations. Following the incident, security has been tightened at key railway hubs, including Ambala Cantonment railway station, Rajpura and Patiala, with intelligence agencies placed on high alert.
