Jaipur: The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two people, including a woman, from Punjab in connection with the November 3 explosion on a railway track in Sri Ganganagar district. Investigators are probing suspected links to Pakistan-based handlers.
The accused have been identified as Mahakdeep Kaur, 21, and Davinder Singh, 22. Both are residents of Gurdaspur district in Punjab. They were arrested following an investigation into the blast on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line near 50 GB village.
Investigators suspect that the two were acting on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers identified as 'Chacha' and 'Shah'. According to the probe, Kaur was allegedly brought into contact with the handlers through online conversations and financial inducements.
The ATS is examining suspected money transfers from Pakistan and the possible role of the accused in carrying out the explosion. These links and allegations are yet to be established.
Two firearms, 46 cartridges and Rs 30,000 were reportedly recovered during the operation. Investigators are also examining whether other individuals provided logistical support, including accommodation and transport.
The explosion occurred around 9.45 pm on November 3 near Ramsinghpur in Sri Ganganagar district. It damaged two railway sleepers and the track, leaving a crater around two-and-a-half feet deep.
A passenger train travelling on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh route had passed through the stretch around 75 minutes before the blast. This has led investigators to examine whether the railway line was deliberately targeted to cause a major train accident.
No casualties were reported.
Investigators are also looking into the movements of the accused before the explosion and whether they had surveyed the railway stretch. The probe is examining the suspected use of an improvised explosive device (IED) and the possible involvement of a wider network.
Further investigation is underway to establish the alleged network's extent and the motive behind the blast.
With input from media reports