Freight train derails in Chhattisgarh, cops suspect Naxals

Raipur: Thirteen bogies and two engines of a freight train today derailed and fell from a bridge in Maoist-hit Bastar district after suspected Naxalites removed fishplates from the tracks on Vishakhapattam-Kirandul route.

The empty goods train derailed between Kaklur and Kumar Sandra restive villages while going towards Kirandul this morning, leading to rail traffic disruption on the route, Bastar superintendent of police Ajay Yadav told PTI over phone.

“However, no injuries were reported due to the incident,” he said.

A police team and repairing staff have been dispatched to the spot after getting report of the mishap, he said.

According to preliminary information, 13 bogies and two engines of the jumbo goods train jumped the tracks and fell from the bridge located on a small rivulet in the area which is a Naxal stronghold, he said, adding that complete details regarding the mishap were awaited.

When asked about Naxals’ role in the tampering of fish plates, the SP said, “We can’t rule out the hand of the Naxals. However, we can’t come to a conclusion on this and the exact reason behind the mishap would be known after the investigation.”

Maintenance work is underway and movement of trains will be started on the route very soon, he said.

Freight trains between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Bastar in Chhattisgarh pass through this route and Naxals often target them, Yadav said.

PTI