'Anti-Social Elements Were Involved': Indian Railways Flags Sabotage In Train Fire Incidents

Key points

• 'Anti-Social Elements Were Involved': Indian Railways Flags Sabotage In Train Fire Incidents Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 13:42 IST Indian Railways said that the recent train fires, including in Mithila Express at Howrah, appear to be sabotage by anti-social elements.
• 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...