Overview
- Security footage reviewed by investigators allegedly shows a man dumping or throwing a packet-like object near the cab road at Howrah station shortly before smoke and a small fire were reported in a Mithila Express coach.
- The fire and smoke were first reported on the Howrah–Raxaul Mithila Express on Tuesday when passengers alerted security and the blaze in a toilet compartment was quickly doused by personnel.
- The Railway Protection Force and national security agencies have opened a detailed probe and are running forensic and technical tests on CCTV clips and material from the scene to identify the person seen on video.
- Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw convened a high-level review at Rail Bhawan that directed nationwide high-alert protocols, expanded CCTV coverage, and stepped-up use of drones, AI and intelligence reporting.
- Officials warn the incident could reflect a targeted attempt to disrupt services and provoke panic at one of India’s busiest hubs, and they have urged travellers to report suspicious activity via helpline 139 as investigations continue.