Firing at Nandan Kanan Express train in Odisha’s Bhadrak, probe underway

An investigation was launched by the senior officials of Indian Railways after an allegation of firing targeting the Nandan Kanan Express train was reported on Tuesday.

As per initial reports, the incident took place around 9:45 am and information in this regard was received from Khordha Road coaching control.

Sources said at least two rounds of firing on guard brake of train number 12816 Nandan Kanan Express was reported between Bhadrak and Baudapur sections. 

Mahendra Behera, the guard of the train said, “During signal exchange the incident happened. I saw a person firing at the train and he was holding a pistol.”

Following this immediate steps were taken to alert the relevant authorities. 

“PC/RPF/JJKR was instructed to attend to the train, while PC/RPF/Bhadrak was directed to reach the location of the incident, coordinating closely with the Government Railway Police Service (GRPS) and local police,” an official statement of East Coast Railway (ECoR) read.

After the train reached Puri, GRP officials conducted a detailed examination of the train and the affected guard coach. 
The affected coach was been sealed and necessary forensic and other examinations are being done.

A GRP official at Puri said, “Usually Railways take up every issue seriously. Multiple teams including GRP, RPF, coaching depot and others are carrying out the investigation.”

The official further said that there was a hole in the window. Only after a detailed investigation, it can be said whether it was a bullet or any other object.

A confidential report will also be prepared taking into account various aspects.