7 killed in train blast in Bengal

JALPAIGURI: At least seven persons were killed and around 60 injured in a powerful explosion triggered by suspected extremists in a general compartment of a passenger train when it halted at Belakhoba station in Jalpaiguri district in north Bengal on Monday evening.

IGP (railways) Tushar Bhattacharya confirmed reporters in Kolkata that seven persons were killed in the explosion that occurred in Haldibari-Siliguri passenger train at 6-30 pm.

The explosion was so severe that a side and the roof of the bogie were blown away. IGP (law and order) Raj Kanoria said the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

The toll might go up as several of the injured were in a critical condition in hospital, Mr Bhattacharya said.
State home secretary PR Roy said the explosion was suspected to be the handiwork of north Bengal militants.

Asked if he suspected the militant group Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), which has links with Ulfa, he said: “It might be the KLO or the Ulfa. We are trying to get details.”

Eyewitnesses said there was a flash followed by a deafening explosion. There were two small explosions immediately afterwards. “Some of the passengers jumped out of the coach in panic, while many received burns,” they said.

NF Railway sources in Malegaon in Assam, under which the railway division falls, said a medical relief team left Siliguri immediately after receiving information about the blast, while another left Guwahati.