Naxals seize train in Jharkhand

Police teams were trying to reach the attack site when reports last came in. What was holding back rescue attempts was the fear of the approaches being mined by the Maoists. Reports of the attack reached Ranchi as Arjun Munda hosted a dinner to celebrate one year in office in his second stint as Chief Minister.

Latehar Deputy Commissioner Subodh Prasad told The Indian Express over phone that security personnel had been dispatched on foot.

8220;The incident happened around 7.30 pm. We don8217;t know how they managed to stop the train but it has been held up. We suspect it could be a trap. Our forces are going there on foot,8221; he said.

Railway, police officials could not confirm reports that Naxalites had assaulted the engine driver and the guard, snatched their walkie-talkies and cut-off power supply.

Latehar Dy SP Anand Joseph Tigga said he had been told that the passengers were safe. Another officer said the Naxal attack was in retaliation to the killing of a Maoist zonal commander on March 3. The Maoists had called a bandh today in Palamau division.