Vaigai Express detained by Ram Sethu agitators

Chennai, Aug 24 (UNI) Madurai-bound Vaigai Express suffered a delay of nearly an hour when about 500 members of the 'Ram Sethu Rakshana Vedike' from Andhra Pradesh blocked the train at Tambaram on the city outskirts, after they were made to alight from the train for travelling in reserved compartments without valid tickets.

Railway police sources said the devotees of Lord Rama boarded the train at Egmore and occupied almost all the reserved seats, without valid tickets, much to the disgruntlement of the reserved passengers.

As the train left the station, an altercation broke out and when the train reached Tambaram, passengers who had confirmed tickets lodged a complaint with the Railway police.

Acting promptly, the Railway Protection Force made the devotees, who were on their way to Rameswaram to protect Ram Sethu, alight from the train. Irked by this, they trooped towards the engine and squatted on the track in front of the train.

The RPF then pacified them to travel in the unreserved compartments. While a section of them were allowed to board the same train, others were asked to travel in the unreserved compartments of Pallavan and Kanniyakumari Expresses.

The Vaigai Express, which reached Tambaram around 1300 hrs, left the station at 1355 hrs.

UNI