Maoists attacked railway construction camp in Gaya

Armed Maoists attacked a railway construction camp and set the machines on fire engaged in the work between Jharna and Saren village in Gaya district.

"Around 100 Maoists attacked the camp of Rajgir-Kodarma rail section of Eastern Central Railway late last night," Superintendent of Police R Malar Vizzi said.

They chased away the labourers, staff and burnt one pokelin machine, four dumpers, two tractors and one motorbike," he added.

The SP said the border of the district was sealed and intensive search operations were launched to catch the Maoists. Reports said members of the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) on Wednesday night torched a Poklane machine and four dumpers engaged in the construction of railway tracks on Rajgir-Tilaiya rail line. They also torched two tractors and one motorcycle on the spot. The damage is estimated to be worth around Rs one crore. Denial to cough up 'levy' is said to be the reason behind this incident.

According to information, PLGA squad members clad in black uniform attacked the camp of Satyendra Singh and Company near village Jharna-Saren under Bathani police station area at around 10 pm on Wednesday. They surrounded the camp and made staff hostage.

Maoists left pamphlet on the spot and fled towards the forest area raising slogans. In the pamphlet, it is said that anyone going against their will would have to pay the price similar to the railway construction company.

Following the incident, construction work on the rail line had been suspended. Meanwhile, Bathani DSP Vishram Das visited the spot and took stock of the situation. Raids were being conducted but no arrests could be made till Thursday evening.