NEW DELHI/FIROZABAD: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat escaped unhurt after unidentified persons pelted stones at the Delhi-bound Swarn Shatabdi Express in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district on Thursday evening. The attack damaged a window pane of the moving train, triggering an investigation by railway and local police authorities.
According to railway and police officials, the incident occurred at around 7:15–7:20 pm when Train No. 12003, running from Kanpur to Delhi, was passing through the Firozabad section after crossing Makkhanpur station. A stone struck the window of the E-1 coach, causing damage to the glass pane.
Following the incident, the train was halted near the outer area of Tundla Junction as authorities were alerted. Officials from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police rushed to the spot to assess the situation.
GRP Inspector Sher Singh confirmed that Mohan Bhagwat was travelling in the same coach where the window was damaged. However, he was seated away from the affected side of the compartment.
“RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat was travelling in the coach where the stone struck the window. He was seated on the other side and remained completely safe. No passenger sustained any injury,” Singh said.
After preliminary checks and ensuring passenger safety, the Swarn Shatabdi Express resumed its journey towards Delhi at around 7:41 pm.
The incident prompted a swift response from senior police officials. Additional Director General (ADG) of Agra Zone, SK Bhagat, and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Agra Range, Shailesh Pandey, reached Firozabad to review the situation.
ADG Bhagat said police teams had launched a search operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“No passenger was injured in the incident. Only the outer glass pane of the First AC coach suffered damage. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest,” Bhagat stated.
Firozabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aditya Langhe said authorities received information about the stone-pelting soon after the train crossed the border areas of Rasoolpur and Dakshin police station limits.
“The train was travelling from Kanpur to Delhi, and we received information that a stone had been thrown at the moving train. The impact damaged a coach window. Police and railway security teams immediately reached the location,” Langhe said.
Investigators have begun examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and railway installations to trace those involved. The SSP confirmed that one individual had been taken into custody for questioning as part of the investigation.
“CCTV footage is being analysed and several leads have emerged. Teams from multiple police stations, along with surveillance and special operations units, have been deployed. The culprits will be identified soon,” he added.
Police officials said a formal case is being registered based on a complaint related to the incident. Authorities are also looking into whether the attack was a random act of vandalism or part of a deliberate attempt to target the train.
The railway stretch passing through Firozabad has witnessed similar incidents of stone-pelting in the past, raising concerns about passenger safety. Acknowledging the recurring problem, SSP Langhe said stronger preventive measures would be implemented.
“We will review both previous and recent incidents and strengthen monitoring along vulnerable stretches to prevent such acts in the future,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing, while railway and police authorities continue efforts to identify those responsible for the attack on the train.
