Co-ordinated attacks against Muslims in East Pakistan saw trains being targetted. A number of unsuccessful attempts were made to blow-up or derail trains in the region. On 9th August, a Pakistan special train heading for Karachi was derailed near Bhatinda in East Punjab.

George Abell, private secretary to Viceroy Mountbatten, relayed the following to the Governor of Sindh’s secretary:

“At 2100 hours on August 9th a Pakistan special train ran over a mine on the track 15 miles west of Bhatinda in East Punjab. The mine exploded, blowing 11 feet out of the track and derailing the engine and six coaches. Casualties 1 women and 1 child killed, 10 persons slightly injured. Relief trains have gone out from both directions and the passengers have been moved on. Punjab Government have been asked to make special arrangements for guarding the track in future.”

Source: ‘Sir G. Abell to Governor’s Secretary, Sind’, 10 Aug 1947, cited in Nicholas Mansergh & Penderel Moon (eds.), Transfer of Power, vol. XII, p. 648