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Indian Railways says recent train fires, including in Mithila Express at Howrah, appear to be sabotage by anti-social elements, RPF and other agencies are investigating
Half-burnt piece of cloth soaked in petrol found in a coach of the Mithila Express after a fire was reported.
Indian Railways on Wednesday claimed that recent train fire incidents were the result of sabotage and said investigations had indicated the involvement of “anti-social elements” in several cases.
In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said, “Today, following a report of a fire in a coach of the Mithila Express while it was stationed at Howrah, an investigation was conducted which led to the recovery of a half-burnt piece of cloth soaked in petrol…Railway staff demonstrated promptness and brought the situation under immediate control, thereby averting a major disaster.”
“The preliminary circumstances suggest that certain anti-social elements are attempting to jeopardise passenger safety and sow fear and disorder within the railway system. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and relevant agencies are conducting serious investigations into all these matters,” it added.
Ministry of Railway says – “Today, following a report of a fire in a coach of the Mithila Express while it was stationed at Howrah, an investigation was conducted which led to the recovery of a half-burnt piece of cloth soaked in petrol…Railway staff demonstrated promptness and… https://t.co/JREChtOqEK pic.twitter.com/sZGVjNTRZV— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2026
The Railways, while referring to four fire incidents, which happened in Amarpura, Kota, Sasaram and Howrah, said that they take these incidents “very seriously” and the Railway Protection Force is conducting a “detailed investigation” in each instance.
In Amarpura, bedding material was allegedly set ablaze, while in Howrah, officials recovered a cloth soaked in petrol from a coach bathroom.
In another case in Kota, flames were spotted emerging from the washroom area of a Rajdhani Express.
Meanwhile, in Sasaram, an unidentified individual reportedly hurled a burning object into an unoccupied coach.
“Passengers are requested to remain alert and stay safe. And if any suspicious activity is noticed, immediately call Railway Helpline – 139,” the Railways said.
Fire In Rajdhani Express In Ratlam
The Railways released the statement days after a massive fire broke out in one of the air-conditioned coaches of a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam. No one was injured in the incident.
The massive blaze broke out in the B-1 coach at around 5.15 am. The coach was carrying 68 passengers. The incident took place between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations, officials said.
In the video, thick, dense plumes of black smoke were seen rising high into the air from the detached rake. Some of the trees near the railway tracks had also caught fire.
The incident led to disruption of the rail traffic on the route. The schedules of nearly 18 trains were affected, while some of the trains were stopped at different stations after the fire broke out.
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