Jharsuguda: An act of bravery by a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable helped avert a major train accident at Jharsuguda Road Railway Station on April 29.
Sambalpur railway division head constable Firoz Khan, on hearing cries from passengers of S3 coach, promptly entered the coach. Khan noticed a polythene bag on fire beneath berth no.71. Suspecting the content of the bag to be dangerous/explosive, he displayed exemplary courage and handled the bag containing dangerous material with bare hands without any protection. In quick action, the constable removed the bag and threw it away on the platform.
His heroic deed averted a major accident in the coach and saved the lives of a number of passengers.
The bomb detection squad of Sambalpur reached the spot this morning and found the content of the bag to be six improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The IEDs were then defused.
On investigation, the device was found to be connected to a battery source containing detonator and explosive.
“It was confirmed that Firoz has handled an explosive device with bare hands without fearing for his life. His diligence, presence of mind and quick action saved the lives of passengers. Therefore, it is recommended that in recognition to his brave act, he may be suitably awarded to boost his moral and enthusiasm for performing better duty in future,” RPF divisional security commissioner said.
