Pune: An alert loco pilot averted a potential disaster late Sunday (December 29) night near Uruli Kanchan, Pune district, when he discovered a gas-filled cylinder placed on the railway tracks in an apparent sabotage attempt.

The incident, which could have led to catastrophic consequences, came to light around 10:45 PM when loco pilot Sharad Shahaji Walke noticed the obstruction during a routine inspection.

The cylinder, identified as belonging to the Priya Gold Company and containing approximately 3900 kg of gas, was strategically placed on the Pune-bound railway track at railway electric pole kilometer marker 219/7-5.

Recognizing the potential threat, Walke promptly removed the cylinder from the tracks, ensuring the safety of the approaching trains and passengers.

Walke immediately reported the incident to local authorities and senior officials. The Uruli Kanchan Police, acting on his complaint, registered a case against unidentified individuals under Sections 150 and 152 of the Railway Act, which pertains to sabotage attempts and endangering the safety of passengers and railway operations.

In response to the incident, senior railway officials, including Daund Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bapurao Dadas and Uruli Kanchan Police Station Inspector Shankar Patil, visited the site to assess the situation. They also provided instructions for enhanced security measures and ongoing investigation procedures.

The Uruli Kanchan Police have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind this alarming act. Authorities have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance along railway tracks to prevent such incidents in the future.