A train was reportedly hijacked by Maoists in Lakhisarai district of Bihar in the early hours of Thursday, according to a CRPF official. Cabin man of the train, who was on duty, has also been abducted by the Maoists and there have been no reports of his release. Danapur Durg Express (13288) was hijacked near Bhalui halt in Lakhisarai district at around 2:30 AM.
The Maoists blew up a mobile tower in the area soon after the train was hijacked. Although no casualty has been reported from either side, there were reports of Naxals and police engaging in a fire for some time. The statement from the police said that an exchange of fire between the 207 CoBRA battalion of CRPF and the hijackers was underway in the night. The operation is normal now and firing has been halted, as per the reports.
Earlier on June 13, Maoists attacked a train, Dhanbad-Patna Intercity Express (13331) near Jamui. Maoists hijacked the train, took its driver hostage and looted arms of the escort party. The driver of the train and some passengers were hit in the firing as per the reports.
The extremists attacked one or more general compartments and forced the passengers to get down before looting them at the gunpoint. The incident was reported at around 1 PM. The train was stranded for more than two hours after the incident. “The extremists have looted the arms of the escort party and it appeared that attack was aimed at looting the arms and ammunition,” Amitabh Kumar Das said.
