Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Openly challenging the government, Maoists are suspected to have abducted the driver of Bhubaneswar -Delhi Rajdhani Express after bringing it to a halt in the inaccessible West Bengal-Jharkhand border area of West Midnapore district.
As per the latest news report, the incident occurred at around 2 pm. The Maoists stopped the train by waving a red flag between Jhagram and Banstala stations and then abducted the loco pilot and his assistant.
There are also suggestions that the driver might have just run away, fearing for his life, following the attack by Maoists.
Reports also claim that firing has started between the Maoists and CRPF men in Jhargram and that one CRPF personnel has been injured in the firing.
Meanwhile, the Lalgarh area commander of Maoists, Kishenji has come out and told Zee News that Maoists are not in anyway involved in the incident.
The Maoists commander has called for the urgent intervention of Union Railways Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to resolve the crisis.
Demanding the immediate release of the detained rebel leader Chhatradhar Mahto, Kishenji said that Mamata Banerjee must also speak to the tribals and address their woes.
He said that Centre’s direct intervention was needed to resolve the issue.
However, all passengers are thought to be safe and unharmed. Incidentally, the Maosists were under the banner of Police Santrash Birodhi Janasadharaner Committee is observing a bandh in Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore today against alleged police atrocities and high-handedness.
Incidentally, the West Bengal chief secretary and the DGP are in Midnapore today to oversee the rehabilitation of villagers after the deadly Lalgarh operation.
The railways’ Kharagpur central controller is keeping track of the situation. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has also confirmed that the driver is missing.
Maoists had recently struck in West Midnapore, killing two policemen of Sankrail police station and taking its officer-in charge Atindranath Dutta hostage. Dutta was released only after the state government let suspected women cadres of the Maoists walk free on bail.
