LUCKNOW: A bomb scare that led to a major security operation at Aishbagh railway station in Lucknow on Monday was triggered by a 26-year-old passenger from Telangana who allegedly spread a false rumour about an explosive device after failing to find a place to sit on the crowded train.The incident involved the Thiruvananthapuram-Gorakhpur Raptisagar Express (12512), which was subjected to intensive security checks after authorities received information that a bomb had been planted on board.According to police, local police teams, the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), bomb disposal squad and dog squad rushed to Aishbagh station and launched a comprehensive search operation. All coaches of the train were thoroughly checked and passengers were screened. However, no suspicious object or explosive material was found during the exercise.Following the search, authorities declared the bomb threat a hoax and cleared the train to continue its onward journey. Officials said the security checks caused a delay in the train’s schedule.During the investigation, police identified the source of the false alarm as Saini Jackie, a resident of Vimalwada in Telangana, who was traveling in the train’s S2 coach. “Preliminary inquiry revealed that the passenger was unable to find a berth or adequate space to sit in the train. Frustrated by the situation, he allegedly spread the false information that a bomb was present on board,” said an official statement by Bazar khala police.Earlier the accused had informed police, that he heard three men planning to plant bomb in the train, while the train had made unscheduled brief stop at Ajgain railway station in Unnao district.The rumour quickly created panic among passengers and prompted railway and police authorities to activate emergency security protocols.Police said the accused has been taken into custody. Legal proceedings have been initiated against him for spreading false information and causing public panic.Officials said the train was declared safe after the search operation and was subsequently allowed to leave for its destination.The Raptisagar Express departed Aishbagh station at 11.30 am, running one hour and 13 minutes behind schedule due to the security checks.
