Indian authorities are on high alert following alarming new threats from Farhatullah Ghori, a notorious Pakistani-based terrorist. In a recent video posted on Telegram, Ghori has urged his followers to target railway systems across major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. His call for large-scale train derailments has intensified fears of potential disruptions and disasters on India’s railway network.
Ghori, who has been on the intelligence establishment’s most-wanted list, is known for his involvement in several high-profile terror attacks. The video, which has been circulating for several weeks, includes Ghori’s incitement for an “ishtishadi jung” or “fidayeen war” against Hindu leaders and law enforcement. This incitement comes amidst a series of recent train sabotage attempts that have already raised concerns.
Authorities are currently revisiting recent train derailment incidents, including two near-miss accidents involving the Vande Bharat train and the Farrukhabad Express. On August 23rd and 24th, cement blocks were placed on tracks in an apparent attempt to derail a train, while a wooden log was found on tracks used by the Farrukhabad Express. These incidents underscore the urgency of addressing the threat posed by Ghori and his associates.
Ghori, who was designated a terrorist in 2020, is implicated in a string of violent acts in India, including the 2001 Akshardham Temple attack, the 2004 Hyderabad Task Force office bombing, and the 2023 Rameshwaram Café blast. Originally from Hyderabad, Ghori’s activities have raised suspicions that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) may be using him to foment unrest in India while distancing itself from direct involvement.
Recent months have seen a troubling increase in train sabotage attempts. Notable incidents include the derailment of the Sabarmati Express on August 17th due to a deliberately placed broken railway track, and the placing of an alloy wheel on tracks by an individual aiming to mimic the Kanpur derailment. Additionally, the engine of the Nainpur-Jabalpur train collided with an iron rod placed on the track.
The escalation in such sabotage attempts aligns with Ghori’s recent calls to his followers to experiment with different tactics to disrupt India’s transportation network. Authorities are taking these threats seriously, intensifying their investigations and security measures to prevent any potential disasters.
As the situation evolves, the Indian intelligence and railway authorities are focusing on enhancing security protocols and monitoring for any further sabotage attempts, all while grappling with the broader implications of Ghori’s threats on national safety and security.
