Bihar: Locals torch Khusrupur station, attack train

Incensed over the Railway's decision to withdraw stoppage of several trains at Khusrupur station in Bihar, angry locals on Monday ransacked and torched the station, attacked the Intercity Express and uprooted rail lines under Danapur division, approximately 32 km from Patna.

Deputy Superintendent of Government Railway Police (Patna East) Rajendra Singh said hundreds of people from nearby villages stormed the Khusrupur railway station today morning, ransacked the station and burnt it down. They were protesting the East Central Railway's announcement in newspapers, pertaining to the withdrawal of stoppage of several express trains, including Rajgir-New Delhi Shramajivi Express and Kosi Express, at Khusrupur.

Locals also attacked the 3226 down Danapur-Jainagar Intercity Express at Baikatpur village near the station, and torched its three bogies -- two general coaches and an air-conditioned chair car, Singh said. They also uprooted the railway lines. Fire tenders fought for hours to douse the flames.

The mob also destroyed several electronic and other railway operation equipment and signal system, besides the ticket booking counter.

Reinforcements were sent to Khusrupur station to control the situation, he said. Senior railway and police officials have reached the spot. Patrolling has been intensified as the area remained tense, Singh added.