Security on board trains, buses tightened

Gorakhpur, Feb 3 (UNI) Security on boards trains and buses travelling through Uttar Pradesh has been increased following incidents of torching of trains during the communal unrest in this eastern district of Uttar Pradesh.

Cases of torching of trains by miscreants in several parts to allegedly protest the arrest of BJP Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath has finally made the government to increase security cover, PR official (Eastern Railways) S P Mishra said.

''Owing to the recent violent acts, 68 passenger and goods train would remain suspended till the next order,'' Mr Mishra maintained.

''Besides, 17 trains running through Mau-Shahganj railway line have been diverted and over 24 passenger trains have been suspended,'' Mr Mishra maintained.

On Thursday, three sleeper coaches of Mumbai-Gorakhpur Godan Express were torched by miscreants at Mohammedbad. The miscreants travelling on board the train pulled the chain before setting afire the coaches. There, however, were no reports of any casualty.

So far, police has arrested nine persons in connection with the incidents of train burning.

The Godan incident was the fourth reported incident of torching of train since the communal flare-up in Gorakhpur exactly a week ago. Till now, miscreants have set ablaze railway coaches in Deoria, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar and Mau districts.

Besides, several Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) bus were set afire by miscreants to protest the arrest of the BJP MP.

UNI