Tragedy averted on Vasco-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express
Police nab two shepherds for blocking track with boulders
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
A major tragedy for the Vasco-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express was averted as the Railway Police nabbed two shepherds blocking the railway track with boulders as part of a prank.
The two young shepherds, identified as Nagappa Pujar and Basappa Kavalekar, both hailing from Ramdurg taluka in Belagavi district and residing in Khanapur taluka with their flocks were nabbed by the railway police late Friday evening.
Police said the two accused were attempting to block the railway track a few meters away from Gunji railway station.
According to ASI M G Natraj, incidents of blocking the railway track with the help of huge boulders were reported between Sangargalli village and Gunji railway stations.
“From May 9 onwards, boulders were placed on the railway track by taking advantage of darkness. However, due to the fork-like cut guard placed in front of the railway engine, these boulders were tossed away,” said ASI Natraj.
“On May 10, a major tragedy to Goa Express was averted as a huge boulder that was placed on the track fell at the centre of the track and was dragged for about 300 meters, causing minor damage to the engine. A key man on duty noticed the damage caused to the railway track next day and alerted the authorities,” he added.
Assuming it was the act of burglars, the railway police alerted the villagers and maintained a vigil, after which the duo was caught in the act on Friday.
“When asked, the duo replied to the police that they were amused on seeing the boulders either being crushed or tossed away by the speeding railway engines,” ASI M G Natraj of Belagavi railway police told media persons.
Gunji GP president Subhash Ghadi and others who assisted the police in nabbing the pranksters said that a major tragedy could have taken place if the stone had got stuck beneath the engine.
The two shepherds were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. A case is registered in Khanapur police station.
