Maoists free Delhi bound Rajdhani train, driver, assistant released
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, October 27, 2009
The New Delhi-Bhubaneswhar Rajdhani Special train which was stopped near Basnshtala in West Midnapur district today afternoon allegedly by the Maoists, has been freed. The Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram said a shortwhile ago that the train as well as the passengers are safe. The driver and his assistant have also been released and are safe. A relief train with medical assistance is already on its way from Jamshedpur.
The Home Minister said that CRPF and state police had reached the area. He said that no CRPF personnel has been injured and there was no exchange of fire. According to statement by Home Secretary, Mr. G.K. Pillai, the train is now under the control of the Government and the Maoists and their supporters have fled from the spot. The Railway Minister, Ms. Mamata Banerjee said that some of the passengers were injured in stone pelting. A team of bomb disposal squad are now examining the rain track before it leave for the destination She said that the train will proceed on its onward journey to New Delhi after getting the clearance.
According to Railway sources the New Delhi bound train 2443A which was on its way from Bhubneshwar to Delhi was stopped by the Maoists, 146 kms from Bhubheneshwar between Sardiha and Jhargram railway stations in Kharagpur division at 2.45 pm and its driver Anand Rao was abducted.
