Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Nov 15: A 21-year-old woman and a man from Punjab's Gurdaspur district have been arrested in connection with the November 3 blast on a railway track in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district. Investigators are probing suspected links to Pakistan-based handlers, Punjab Police sources said on Sunday.
The accused have been identified as Mahakdeep Kaur and Davinder Singh, both residents of Gurdaspur. They were arrested in a joint operation involving the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad, Sri Ganganagar Police and Punjab Police.
Punjab Police sources said the arrests followed a sustained investigation and coordination with Rajasthan Police.
According to Rajasthan media reports quoting police officials, Kaur was allegedly in contact with two Pakistan-based handlers operating under the names 'Chacha' and 'Shah'.
Investigators suspect that the handlers recruited her through romantic conversations and financial incentives. She allegedly received money to carry out the explosion, the reports said.
The blast occurred at around 9.45 pm on November 3 near Ramsinghpur on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line. The explosion damaged the railway tracks, broke sleepers and created a crater at the site.
A passenger train had passed through the affected stretch approximately 75 minutes before the blast.
Rajasthan Police have alleged possible links between the incident and Pakistan's intelligence network, although these connections are still being investigated.
Sources said Kaur was living separately from her husband, who is currently lodged in jail in connection with a drug trafficking case. Investigators suspect that the handlers may have targeted women considered vulnerable due to their personal circumstances.
According to reports, police recovered two weapons, 46 cartridges and Rs 30,000 from the accused.
Three other individuals have also been detained on suspicion of providing logistical support for the operation. They allegedly arranged accommodation, a motorcycle and transportation to the blast site.