Arrests Made in Rajasthan Train Blast: Links to Pakistani Handlers Uncovered

Key Developments in the Rajasthan Train Blast Case

Jaipur: Authorities have apprehended two suspects linked to the railway track explosion that occurred on November 3 in Ramsinghpur. The arrests took place in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and preliminary investigations suggest connections to handlers in Pakistan, according to police reports released on Sunday.

The individuals, identified as Mahakdeep Kaur and Devendra Singh, were taken into custody during a coordinated operation involving the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and local police from Sri Ganganagar.

Investigators revealed that Kaur had been in contact with a Pakistani handler named Shah, and together with Singh, they allegedly plotted the railway blast in the Ramsinghpur area.

Authorities recovered two foreign-manufactured pistols, 46 live cartridges, and Rs 30,000, which was purportedly intended for executing the blast.

The arrests were executed on November 14, following a collaborative effort between the Rajasthan ATS, Sri Ganganagar police, and Punjab's Counter Intelligence.

Under the guidance of ADGP Dinesh M N, a specialized team was formed, led by Sri Ganganagar SP Harishankar. This team gathered intelligence from central investigative agencies and scrutinized the suspects' social media activities.

The investigation pointed to Kaur and Singh, both residents of Gurdaspur. A team, including probationary IPS officer Nitin Chaudhary and ATS Bikaner unit head Surendra Kumar, was dispatched to Punjab.

The Rajasthan team exchanged intelligence with Punjab's Counter Intelligence and Gurdaspur SSP Aditya, leading to the suspects' detention and subsequent arrest after thorough questioning.

Further inquiries revealed that Kaur's husband, Karanveer Singh, had previously been arrested in Punjab for narcotics trafficking. Following his arrest, Kaur allegedly established contact with handlers based in Pakistan.

Investigators have identified Shah and another individual known as 'Chacha' in Pakistan, who are believed to have directed the suspects to carry out the railway blast.

Initially, the suspects had intended to execute an explosion on October 6 in the Ramsinghpur area, but were unable to do so due to the lack of an explosive device.

A timer bomb, allegedly supplied by Shah, was placed on the railway track on October 12-13 but failed to detonate due to technical issues. The successful blast occurred on November 3 at approximately 9:45 PM, utilizing another timer bomb provided by the Pakistani handler.

Authorities suspect that the Ramsinghpur location was chosen deliberately to minimize suspicion, utilizing a woman to carry out the operation.

The suspects reportedly received payments through online channels and were found to be following profiles of active gangsters on social media. Investigators are currently examining the roles of other individuals, suspected contacts, and financial transactions.

The case has highlighted a concerning trend of targeting women through romantic relationships and financial incentives to recruit them for criminal activities.

Kaur allegedly connected with Shah and received instructions from him and 'Chacha', who is believed to have ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.

Previously, ATS had arrested a woman named Babita from Gangapur City, who was allegedly lured into contact with Pakistani agents through a romantic relationship.

The two suspects are currently being interrogated in relation to the FIR filed at the Ramsinghpur police station.

Ongoing investigations aim to uncover additional individuals involved in this alleged network and to clarify the extent of their connections with handlers based in Pakistan.

Rajasthan Police has urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious social media accounts and contacts linked to Pakistani handlers and criminal gangs, encouraging them to report any dubious activities to the relevant authorities.

Information regarding gangsters, anti-national activities, or criminal acts can be communicated to Rajasthan ATS via their control room number 0141-2601583 or WhatsApp number 9001999070. The confidentiality of informants will be maintained.