Haridwar ‘Sadhu’ Sentenced to Two Years for Placing Stones on Railway Tracks

Hyderabad: A railway court has sentenced a 42-year-old man from Haridwar, identified as a ‘sadhu’, to two years of imprisonment for deliberately placing stones on railway tracks, an act that could have led to a major accident.

According to South Central Railway (SCR) officials, the accused, Ramdas, placed stones at multiple locations on the Kacheguda route, posing a serious threat to passenger safety and railway property.

Court Cites Serious Threat to Human Lives

Ramdas was booked under Sections 153, 174C and 147 of the Railway Act, which relate to endangering passenger safety, trespassing into railway premises, and obstructing railway operations.

In its order, the court observed that such actions create a grave risk to human lives and public property and must be dealt with strictly under the law.

‘Highest Jail Term in Such Cases’

Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials stated that this is the highest imprisonment awarded so far in South Central Railway for track obstruction cases. In most similar incidents, offenders generally receive a maximum punishment of three months.

The incident was reported on May 8, 2025, when a trackman alerted the RPF after noticing stones and elastic rail clips placed near junction points between Kacheguda and Budvel stations. The suspicious placement indicated deliberate sabotage.

CCTV Footage Led to Arrest

After the alert, RPF formed a special team and inspected the affected areas. CCTV footage from nearby locations showed the accused moving suspiciously near junction points. Based on evidence, he was tracked and arrested.

20 Stones Placed at Five Locations

RPF Inspector Gorakhnath Maval stated that the accused had placed 20 stones in a straight line at five different locations along the Kacheguda–Budvel section. During interrogation, Ramdas refused to explain his motive.

Officials also revealed that he had allegedly committed similar acts in Tamil Nadu and was considered a habitual offender.

Investigators found that Ramdas had lost his job as an electrician during the COVID-19 pandemic and later began living as a ‘sadhu’. Authorities confirmed that he was mentally stable and fully aware of his actions.

The verdict is being seen as a strong warning against acts that endanger railway safety.