Was the Bomb Threat on Kamayani Express a Hoax?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Response: Authorities acted swiftly to ensure passenger safety.
- Thorough Search: All bogies were meticulously inspected for any suspicious items.
- False Alarm: The bomb threat was confirmed as a hoax after extensive investigation.
- Coordination: Effective communication among control rooms facilitated rapid response.
- Security Measures: Increased vigilance is crucial in addressing potential threats.
Bhopal, May 17 (NationPress) A bomb threat reported on the Kamayani Express (11072) on Saturday afternoon caused alarm among railway officials in Khandwa. The distressing alert, communicated through four control rooms, triggered an immediate security response.
However, after thorough investigations, central railway authorities and the Government Railway Police (GRP) established that the call was a hoax.
The train, traveling from Ballia to Mumbai, was stopped at Khandwa station, where a comprehensive search operation was launched with the assistance of sniffer dogs.
“Security teams inspected all 22 bogies, which included two generator compartments and 20 passenger coaches. Despite a meticulous examination, no suspicious items were discovered, and the train was allowed to resume its journey after nearly an hour of being stationary,” stated a senior officer in the Railway Police Force to IANS.
The initial alert originated from Jalgaon district at approximately 12:40 p.m.
Following this, various control rooms, including the GRP control room in Bhopal, were notified of a potential bomb threat concerning train number 01072 (Kamayani Express).
This information was relayed to the Khandwa GRP, prompting immediate action. Teams from both the GRP and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were dispatched to secure the train.
The Kamayani Express was halted at Khandwa station around 1:00 p.m., and passengers were questioned while their luggage underwent thorough inspections.
Despite the heightened security measures, no threat evidence was found. At the time of the alert, the train was traveling past Talvadia station, roughly 16 km from Khandwa.
With only 15 minutes until arrival, authorities acted quickly. The Khandwa Police Control Room was notified, and security personnel, including RPF and GRP teams, were positioned on the platform.
Upon the train's arrival at 1 p.m., the search operation was initiated.
Despite rigorous security protocols and a detailed investigation, no suspicious items were located. Ultimately, the bomb threat was categorized as a false alarm.
The Kamayani Express finally departed at 1:56 p.m., delayed by about 56 minutes. Despite the extensive measures taken, no suspicious objects were identified, confirming the bomb threat as a false alarm.