Maoists blow up railway track in Birbhum

Siuri(Birbhum), Nov 19: Maoists have claimed responsibility for the blast, which blew up a large portion of the Sainthia-Andal section of Eastern Railways near Siuri in West Bengal today.

DSP, Headquaters, Dhiren Ghosh said, ''Apart from posters carrying claims by Maoists of having triggered the blast, the way in which the explosion was executed throws light on their involvement.'' Today was the first day of the 48-hour bandh called by the Maoists in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar in protest against atrocities on villagers in Nandigram.

Police have informed that the blast occurred at Khoyrasol station near Maliara village, blowing up one-and-half metre strech of railway track. Due to the blast, train services had been badly affected. Trains in this section are now being diverted through Khana Saithia section.

Incidentally, a couple of days back, CPI(M) State Secretary Biman Bose and other party leaders claimed, at a district conference held here, that Maoist activities were increasing in the district, especially due to the district's proximity with Jharkhand.

UNI