Govt alerts Naxal-hit states on possible attack on rail network

The government has alerted Naxal affected states against possible Maoist attacks on railway networks in wake of the Left extremists targeting a Rajdhani express in Bihar by blasting the rail tracks.
The Home Ministry has issued the alert to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh apprehending attacks by Naxalites on trains and railway infrastructure as any sabotage on the network can result in large scale damages, official sources said.

The Home Ministry has also requested the Railway Ministry to deploy adequate manpower to provide security to rail operations and passengers and take necessary precautionary measures.

The alert has been issued after the latest attack near Gaya, when Maoists targeted a Rajdhani express blasting the rail tracks in which the passengers had a miraculous escape after ten coaches derailed. The attack came during the 48-hour 'bandh' call given by Naxals on Monday in the state along with six others.