Train services in Jharkhand hit due to 48-hour bandh call by Maoists

Many trains were either re-routed or cancelled to avoid plying through Naxal pockets of Jharkhand today during the first-day of the 48-hour bandh called by the CPI (Maoist) over claims of the arrest of one of its cadre.

Bihar-Barkakana Singroli Express, Barkakana-Patna Express and Singroli-Garhwa Express have been cancelled while today's Ranchi-Delhi Garib Rath has been rescheduled at 3.30pm tomorrow, railway sources said .

Divisional railway manager of Dhanbad Division, AS Upadhaya said, "We have been asked to be on alert by our higher authorities following information of threat to trains. Some other trains have been diverted."

Long distance bus operators and truckers stayed off the road as highways touch Maoist stronghold areas, according to reports from districts.

Inspector general of police VS Desmukh said the day was peaceful and security forces have been deployed at strategic points with special attention on rail tracks.

The Maoists called for the bandh, which began at midnight in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Orissa to protest against the arrest of Sheetalji, a cadre.

However, police has denied making any such arrest.

This is the fourth time that Maoists have called for a 48-hour bandh this year.