Patna, June 1
The sudden and unilateral decision of the railway authorities to cancel several “Lalu halts” in Bihar evoked a strong reaction today as an agitated mob of locals set aflame two trains at Fatuha and Khusrupur.
The issue became emotive as the cancellation order came within two weeks of Lalu’s replacement in the railway ministry. The Bihar government also took a strong view of the ‘whimsical action’ of the railways.
The railway authorities had to withdraw their decision following state government’s intervention. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, who feigned complete ignorance about any such decision. Banerjee told Nitish that she would order a departmental enquiry into the matter and take action against the guilty officials.
The East-Central Zone railway authorities, having its headquarters in Bihar, issued an order recently cancelling stoppage of 17 different trains at 33 small stations under the zone. Today, the locals set aflame 3226 Down Danapur-Darbhanga-Jaynagar Intercity Express at Fatuha railway station, damaging six bogies. They also ransacked the station building. Subsequenty, another mob set afire the Danapur-Rajgir express at Khusrupur station, causing serious damage to four compartments. The mob also tried to set afire the pantry car of New Delhi-Rajgir Shramjeevi express.
Bihar’s Prinicipal Secretary (Home) Afzal Amanullah spoke to the General Manager of ECR, Girish Bhatnagar, who immediately announced to restore the stoppage of the said trains.
