A 21-year-old woman has emerged as the main accused in the November 3 blast on a railway track in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, with investigators suspecting that she was recruited by Pakistan-based handlers through a romantic relationship. The latest findings have also brought attention to what security agencies describe as a possible new modus operandi being used by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence to recruit women.
The woman, identified as Mahakdeep Kaur, was arrested along with 23-year-old Devendra Singh from Punjab's Gurdaspur district in a joint operation involving the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad, Sri Ganganagar Police, and Punjab Police. According to investigators, Devendra accompanied Mahakdeep and assisted her in carrying out the operation.
Sources said Mahakdeep told investigators during questioning that she was in contact with two Pakistan-based individuals identified by the code names Shah and Chacha. Rajasthan Police have stated these names are code words used for intelligence operatives, and authorities are currently examining the nature of the communication and instructions given to the suspects.
According to sources, Mahakdeep was drawn into the network after an operative established a romantic relationship with her. She is separated from her husband, who is currently lodged in jail in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Security agencies believe handlers may be increasingly targeting women who are socially isolated or emotionally vulnerable by offering money to persuade them to carry out activities.
Investigators are examining whether the Sri Ganganagar incident is part of a wider network operating through this method. A similar case had earlier come to light in Rajasthan's Gangapur City, where the Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a woman named Babita, who had also reportedly been drawn into contact with Pakistan-based operatives through a romantic relationship.
Police recovered two weapons and 46 cartridges from Mahakdeep's possession, alongside 30,000 rupees that authorities suspect was provided to finance the operation. The Rajasthan Police and security agencies are investigating the alleged cross-border connection, the funding sources, and the broader network that facilitated the explosion while identifying other potential conspirators.
The blast occurred on November 3 near village 50 GB on the Anupgarh-Suratgarh railway line in Sri Ganganagar district. Investigators suspect the intended target was the Anupgarh-Bathinda passenger train scheduled to depart at around 6 am, with the explosion taking place shortly after a train travelling from Anupgarh towards Suratgarh had passed the section, damaging concrete sleepers and dislodging track clips.