Stone Attack on Rupsa Express, Four Held

A sudden stone-throwing attack on a moving passenger train triggered panic among travellers in Bangladesh’s Jhenaidah district on Saturday afternoon, prompting swift action by railway staff and local residents. The incident occurred near Mobarakganj Railway Station in Kaliganj upazila, when stones were hurled at the Chilahati–Khulna-bound Rupsa Express, shattering at least one window and briefly halting the train. Four teenagers were detained at the scene in connection with the attack.

According to railway sources, the Rupsa Express was approaching the Mobarakganj area shortly after 5:00 pm on 17 January when unidentified individuals began throwing stones from outside the track boundary. Several stones struck the coaches, breaking window glass and causing alarm inside the train. Passengers, startled by the loud impact and falling shards, began shouting, drawing the immediate attention of the on-duty train crew.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, railway officials took the precautionary step of stopping the train to ensure passenger safety. With the assistance of local residents, a quick search of the surrounding area led to the detention of four teenagers identified as Shakib Hossain, Faisal Ahmed, Nikunj, and Tanvir Hasan. All four are reportedly residents of Kaliganj town. They were apprehended while still in the vicinity of the railway line, preventing any further disruption or potential escalation.

Mobarakganj Station Master Shahjahan Sheikh described stone-throwing at moving trains as a grave criminal offence that endangers lives and damages public property. “A single stone can cause serious injury or even death if it strikes a passenger,” he said, emphasising that such acts pose a constant risk to railway safety. Following their detention, the teenagers were handed over to members of the Government Railway Police (GRP) who were travelling on the train and were later taken to Khulna Railway Station for further legal procedures.

Railway police officials confirmed that formal legal action is under way and that the incident will be investigated in accordance with existing railway and criminal laws. They added that the prompt response by railway staff helped avert a potentially serious accident, as broken glass or sudden panic could have led to injuries among passengers.

Incidents of stone-throwing at trains have periodically raised concerns among railway authorities, who warn that such acts are often driven by mischief or lack of awareness but carry severe consequences. Officials stressed the need for stronger community awareness, closer monitoring of railway corridors, and cooperation from local residents to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key details of the incident are summarised below:

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of vigilance and community responsibility in ensuring the safety of rail passengers. Railway authorities reiterated that preventing such acts requires not only law enforcement but also public awareness, particularly among young people, about the potentially deadly consequences of seemingly reckless behaviour.