Bomb threat on Delhi-Kanpur train a hoax, claim Railways; trains running as per schedule

New Delhi: Many trains were halted and some were being delayed at the New Delhi Railway station on Sunday after the bomb scare on Delhi-Kanpur train. Railways claimed that it was a hoax call and trains have left for their destination as per schedule.

Following the call, Lucknow Shatabdi Express was evacuated at Ghaziabad railway station. The train was thoroughly checked and nothing suspicious was found, said Neeraj Sharma, CPRO Northern Railways.

Sharma said the Shatabdi Express has left for its destination. He claimed that the bomb threat call was a hoax. "Nothing found during search, we got clearance at 7:40 AM and the train was allowed to leave at 7:42 AM. The train and luggage were searched with help of Uttar Pradesh Police, civil police, Railways Police Force, dog squad and bomb disposal squad," said Sharma.

The Railway board was informed by Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad after the latter received an e-mail threatening of bomb blast on Delhi-Kanpur train. The Assistant Sub-Inspector wrote to the chief station manager requesting him that all Delhi-Kanpur trains be checked before being allowed to leave. The Railways termed it as a precautionary measure.

The Inspector General (operations) of Railways had issued an order in the morning to search all trains going from New Delhi and Old Delhi railway station.

Sharma said that the bomb squad and dog squad are at railway stations to check all trains.

The Neelanchal Express also left the station after a thorough search.

The bomb threat came a day after the Pathankot Air Force base was stormed by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists. Five terrorists were killed and four security personnel were martyred in the encounter which went on for 15 hours.