Chhattisgarh: Suspected naxals damage railway-tracks on day of President's visit
What's the story
Suspected naxals yesterday damaged railway tracks on the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul route in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, disrupting the movement of trains, on the day when President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in the state for a two-day visit.
The railway administration has undertaken restoration work.
There was no disruption in the president's itinerary and he attended several functions during the day.
Damage
Railway ground staff informed their superiors about the damage
"The damage was detected in tracks last evening under Bhansi police station limits following which Visakhapatnam-Kirandul passenger train, that had crossed Dantewada for Kirandul, had to be brought back to Dantewada," state's Deputy Inspector General (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P said.
The railway's ground staff spotted that few fishplates of the track were removed, following which they immediately informed their senior officials.
Information
Police believes offense committed during Naxalites' 'Martyrs Week'
Sundarraj said it seems the naxals have committed the offense in view of their 'Martyrs Week' to be observed by them during July 28-August 3. Since the spot is located inside the forest-area, it will take some time to complete the restoration work.