Maoist attack in train carrying RPF jawans, 2 killed

Two persons were reportedly killed and five others injured as Maoists attacked a train close to Jamui station in Bihar on Thursday.

Reports say the Patna-Dhanbad intercity was carrying Railway Protection Force jawans.

Police said that 100-odd Maoists surrounded the Patna-bound train in a forest area in Jamui at around 1:20 PM and opened fire. "Around 100 Naxals including women cadres attacked the train. They may have looted arms and ammunition after the attack," said Amitabh Kumar Das, SSP Jamalpur.

"Security reinforcement has been sent to the area," said RPN Singh, Minister of State for Home.

He also confirmed that the train was attacked to snatch arms from the security forces.

The train driver also received bullet injuries, sources said, adding the Maoists snatched two rifles from the RPF personnel.

As soon as the railway officials posted at Jamui and Mananpur stations came to know of the attack, they informed senior railway officials of Lakhisarai and Jamui districts and sought help from security forces.

CRPF teams from Lakhisarai and Jamui districts have been rushed to the spot and a fierce encounter was on till last reports came in.

The incident comes close on the heels of a deadly ambush by Naxals in Chhattishgarh which killed many Congress leaders.

Among the dead was former Union minister VC Shukla. After the attack, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had called the Maoists as terrorists.