Indian Railways Investigates Recent Train Fires as Possible Sabotage

Indian Railways has raised alarms over a series of recent train fires, suggesting they may be acts of sabotage by anti-social elements. Investigations have revealed troubling evidence, including petrol-soaked materials found in affected coaches. With incidents reported from various locations, including Howrah and Kota, the Railway Protection Force is intensifying its inquiries to ensure passenger safety. This alarming trend raises concerns about security within the railway network, prompting authorities to take immediate action. Read on to learn more about these incidents and the ongoing investigations.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 16:02 IST

Indian Railways Raises Concerns Over Recent Train Fires

On Wednesday, Indian Railways announced that a series of recent train fires across the country appear to be acts of sabotage. The railway authorities indicated that initial investigations suggest the involvement of anti-social elements. This statement follows multiple incidents of fires in train compartments reported from various regions, including Amarapura, Kota, Sasaram, and Howrah.

Involvement of Anti-Social Elements: Indian Railways

In an official statement, the Ministry of Railways revealed that during the investigation of a fire incident on the Mithila Express at Howrah station, a half-burnt cloth soaked in petrol was discovered inside one of the coaches. The ministry noted that upon receiving reports of the fire in the Mithila Express, railway staff acted swiftly to control the situation, preventing a potential disaster.

Recent Incidents Indicate a Pattern

The ministry's findings suggest that there is an ongoing attempt to instill fear within the railway network and compromise passenger safety. Initial circumstances indicate that certain anti-social elements are trying to endanger the safety of travelers and create chaos within the railway system. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and relevant agencies are conducting thorough investigations into all these incidents.

Petrol-Soaked Cloth Found in Toilet

According to railway officials, the fire on the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on May 17 was allegedly part of a plot to ignite a fire in a moving train. Authorities reported that the first flames were observed emanating from the toilet area of the coach. This incident occurred around 5:30 AM on Sunday, between the Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations in the Kota division of Madhya Pradesh, approximately 110 kilometers from Ratlam. In another incident, on May 19, a petrol-soaked cloth was reportedly found in the toilet of the Howrah-Raxaul Mithila Express after a fire broke out at Howrah station. In Amarapura, it was reported that bedding materials were set ablaze near the Amarapura station, while in Sasaram, an unidentified individual allegedly threw a burning object into an empty coach.