Trains suspended as Maoist banners found on tracks

KOLKATA - Train services in the Jhargram-Tatanagar section of the South Eastern Railway (SER) were suspended after Maoist banners were found on the tracks between Jhargram and Khatkura halt stations in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Monday.

A spokesperson of the SER said: “The driver of a goods trains noticed the banners on railway tracks while passing through that section and subsequently alerted the senior officials.”

“Soon the train movement was stopped on the section due to security reasons,” he said.

“A search operation is being carried out throughout the section. Train services will resume after getting clearance from the security personnel,” said the SER spokesperson.

Maoists are active in three western districts — West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia — in West Bengal.