Armed Maoists blast Dolakulu station in Odisha, Train services affected

East Coast Railway (ECoR) Chief Public Relation Officer Jyoti Mishra said about 15 to 20 armed Maoists had entered the station at about 01:30 hours, pushed out the station staff and blasted the station. They also exploded an engine of a goods train standing at the station.

Mr Mishra said all the staff members of the station are safe, the Maoists, he said had left  the  station about 02:00 hours.

He said while one group of the Maoists entered the station master's office, another group went to the goods train standing outside the station and forced it to shut down the engine.

The red rebels ransacked the station manager office and blasted the station before leaving the place. The explosion at the station has affected the movement of trains and at least nine long distance trains were detained and controlled at various stations.

The ECoR CPRO said the train movement will start only after ascertaining security and safety aspects. The Rayagada District Superintendent of police and senior railway officials have rushed to the station and camping their.

Security forces have also rushed to the site and started intensive combing operation in the area.

The Maoists have left posters at the station opposing the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha on April 15 next to attend the National Council body meeting of the party. They have also opposed the Vedant company operating in the state and other organization working against the interest of the state.

The posters also opposed the appointment of non Odia officers in the civil and police administration stating that they were working against the interest of the poor people of the state.