Rajiv Pratap Rudy briefs PM Narendra Modi about train derailment; hints at Maoist hand

Senior BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the derailment of the Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express in Bihar, while later stating that it could be the handiwork of Maoists. "I briefed the Prime Minister about the details related to the train accident, including rescue and relief work and evacuation of stranded passengers by the district administration and the railway authorities," Rudy, the Saran MP, told PTI from the spot where he was camping since 4.30 AM. The Prime Minister was keen to know about the relief work during the 10 minute conversation, he said.

Asked by the PM about the administration and state government launching rescue and relief work and evacuation of passengers, Rudy said he told Modi that the local authorities were doing their job satisfactorily. Hinting at a Maoist role in the derailment and overturning of 12 coaches of Delh-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express near Goldenganj station in Saran district, he said that 20 springs attached to fish plates appeared to have been removed from the track. "Although I am not an expert of Maoists activities, but I can say that based on visible evidence on the spot that there is something unusual about this," Rudy, the MP from Saran, said.