Panic as low-intensity bomb explodes under train

The incident, which shocked the 300-odd passengers travelling on the train, took place at around 12.10pm with the train, which started from Madurai at 7.45am, was passing through the Badrakaliamman railway gate, barely a kilometre away from Pollachi railway station. 

Passengers noticed a plume of smoke emanating from the spot followed by what sounded like a huge blast. The panicked loco pilot immediately brought the train to a halt. After ascertaining there was no damage to property or life, the train proceeded towards Pollachi.

On being alerted, a police team led by Coimbatore range DIG Karthikeyan and Superintendent of Police Pa Murthy rushed to the spot and held inquiries. 

Forensic experts recovered numerous explosive balls, made with a mixture of sulphur, phosphorus and gun powder. They were recovered from atleast five places along the track. Railway engineers confirmed that the tracks were intact and did not suffer any damage. 

After preliminary inquiries, police suspect the miscreants behind the incident might have wanted to create a ‘scare to threaten the Central Government over the Cauvery row’. The police also believe that it might be an attempt to express opposition to Narendra Modi’s visit to inaugurate the 10th edition of the Defence Expo near Chennai on Thursday. 

When contacted, Superintendent of Police Pa Murthy said that the explosion was not triggered by a detonator. “If the bombs were planted over Cauvery issue, then the culprits would have left a piece of paper by writing their demand. However, no such paper was recovered from the spot. Five special teams of police have been formed to arrest the culprits,” he said. Following the incident, the Coimbatore rural police upped security in railway stations, bus stand and other public areas.