Maoist banner denies rebels’ link to train tragedy

KOLKATA - A Maoist banner was found in Kolkata Saturday urging the people to foil the “conspiracy” hatched against the ultras by blaming them for the Gyaneshwari Express tragedy that claimed 148 lives, police said.

Police said the banner was found hanging on the walls of Madhusudhan Mancha, a prominent cultural centre at Dhakura in the southern part of the city.

The banner, put up by the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-M Maoist), was written in red ink, stating the outfit was shocked at the May 28 train tragedy. Police hold the Maoists responsible for the derailment.

“We call upon the people to foil the conspiracy hatched against the Maoists regarding the Gyaneshwari Express tragedy,” the banner said.

On being informed by officials of the Madhusudhan Mancha, a large posse of policemen including senior officers arrived at the spot and removed the banner.