Jhargram (WB): Prime accused in Jnaneswari
Express train sabotage case Asit Mahto, who was carrying a
cash award of Rs one lakh on his head, was on Monday remanded to
seven days police custody.
Mahto, the spokesman for the People`s Committee Against
Police Atrocities (PCPA), alleged to be a front organisation
of Maoists, was arrested from Gorneta village in West
Midnapore district yesterday by the joint forces.
After Mahto was produced before the court of Additional
Chief Judicial Magistrate (Jhargram), the prosecution sought
his 14 days` police custody.
However, he was given seven days` police custody.
Mahato is wanted also in connection with 13 other cases
in Maoist-affected Jangalmahal.
He was one of the three top PCPA leaders named by CBI
as accused in Jnaneswari Express sabotage that claimed 148
lives on May 28 last year.
Thirteen coaches of the Mumbai-bound train jumped the
tracks between Khemasuli and Sardiha stations in West
Midnapore district, shortly after which a goods train had
rammed into the derailed coaches.
PTI
