Armed rebels of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) wrecked havoc at Tori Railway siding under Chandwa Police Station of Latehar district putting on fire at least 16 heavy vehicles at the site on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The rebels also thrashed some people present at the site and snatched their mobile phones.
Police reached the spot as soon as they received information of the incident, following which the rebels resorted to firing. According to police, firing continued from both sides for about one and half hours and later the extremists fled the spot taking advantage of nearby forests.
Superintendent of Police, Latehar, Prasahnt Anand, said that the step taken by JJMP rebels seems to be in retaliation with police action against JJMP chief Pappu Lohra. “Police had applied for court orders to seize properties of JJMP chief Pappu Lohra. The order has been passed and the step seems to be taken in desperation by the rebels,” Anand said, adding that a search operation has been launched to nab the culprits in the area.
According to information, about 15 extremists had entered the railway siding at Tori and started firing indiscriminately.
One of the teams started torching the vehicles at the site, while the other team started beating the people present there. The extremists snatched torches and mobile phones from people present at the site.
Locals said that the outfit claimed the responsibility of the incident by leaving a hand written note citing reason of non-payment of levy for their action. They have also threatened to stop work at Tori and Biratoli coal siding if it is without their permission.
After the incident, police of neighbouring districts Chatra, Lohardaga and Ranchi have been alerted.
Police have launched intensive search operation on all roads from Latehar passing through the three districts. Also, extra forces have been called to the area for increasing vigil and avoid further escalation of the situation.
Work has been put on halt at the railway siding as coal loading work has stopped. Railway engines have also been stopped at the site.
Local residents said that Advocate Lal Arvind Nath Shahdeo had shown courage and started firing in the air as soon as he came to know about the incident. Soon after police also started firing and the rebels had to step back and leave the place.