RANCHI: A section of railway tracks between Manoharpur and Goilkeraon in Jharkhand was blown up on Friday morning, resulting in substantial disruptions to train services along the Howrah-Mumbai route.
According to reports, the sabotage is believed to have been orchestrated by members of the proscribed Communist Party of India (Maoist) and is suspected to be the result of an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. No casualties have been reported as of the time of writing this report.
The incident unfolded in the West Singhbhum district, approximately 150 km from the state capital Ranchi, between Goilkera and Posoita railway stations during the intervening night of Friday.
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Sekhar reported the incident, stating that the Maoists targeted the tracks, resulting in a halt in train services.
“Security has been intensified in the affected area, and repair work on the railway tracks commenced early morning. Train services are expected to resume shortly,” Sekhar affirmed to the press, stressing on the swift response to the disruption caused by the Maoists.
The banned outfit has been observing a “protest week” since December 16, culminating in a Bharat Bandh call on Friday, intensifying their resistance against certain developments.
In the wake of the disruption, the Maoists also took the opportunity to display banners and posters in the affected region, reinforcing their message.
This incident brings back memories of a tragic event on May 3 when Maoists triggered an IED blast in Jharkhand’s Chaibasa district.
The blast claimed the life of a 10-year-old child who, along with his parents, was returning from the forest after plucking leaves.
