Trains come to a halt in Sealdah sec as Rlymen, commuters agitate

Kolkata, May 5 (UNI) Sealdah station, under the Eastern Railways, turned into a battleground today following an agitation and rampage by passengers and railway men, forcing the suspension of train services in all the sections.

Railway sources said trouble started when a Railway Magistrate ordered ''checking'' at the Lake Gardens station this morning which was objected to by two guards of the local train.

Following their resistance, Railway Magistrate Mintu Mondol ordered their arrest which led the guards, motormen and train drivers to launch an agitation, bringing to a halt local train services in the three sections for more than three and a half hours.

As services came to halt, thousands of commuters joined in the agitation vandalising the Sealdah station and damaging the station master's room, sources said. Guards, motormen and drivers also damaged Mr Mandal's room in the station premises.

Stranded passengers hurled stones and damaged railway property, demanding the immediate resumption of services.

The situation led the police to baton charge the rampaging mob.

The railway motormen and guards, however, continued to agitate in front of the Magistrate's room.

UNI