Surat: Stones Pelted on Vande Bharat Express with Anandiben Patel on Board, Former CM safe, One Nabbed

A stone-pelting incident was reported on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22961) near Surat’s Utran on Tuesday evening, shortly after the train crossed Surat station. The incident took place between around 6.30 pm and 6.45 pm, damaging the window panes of the C-6 and C-10 coaches.

Importantly, Uttar Pradesh Governor and Former Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel was reportedly travelling on the same train. However, she was seated in the Executive Class coach and was therefore away from the coaches affected by the stone-pelting. Her presence on the train was initially not officially confirmed.

According to preliminary information, the Vande Bharat was passing between Utran and Kosad when some individuals allegedly threw stones at the moving train. The incident triggered a security response, with the SP/GRP being informed. RPF personnel and the IPF/Ankleshwar were subsequently rushed to the spot.

The RPF reportedly detained a man aged around 30 in connection with the incident. Preliminary information suggests that the suspect is addicted to intoxicants. However, his complete identity and the exact motive behind the stone-pelting had not been established at the time of writing.