One more held in train derailment case

In this May 28, 2010 photo security personnel conduct rescue operation at the site where Jnaneswari Express derailed. Lakshmikanta Ray, whom the CBI had named as one of the most wanted in the derailment case, was arrested on Monday.

Yet another person suspected of being involved in the May 28 derailment of Jnaneswari Express was arrested in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal on Monday.

Lakshmikant Roy, a member of the Maoist-backed Police Santrash Birodhi Janasadharaner Committee (PSBJC) was arrested from a hideout near Muraboni village, Superintendent of Police of Jhargram Pravin Tripathi told TheHindu over the telephone.

Roy is the 13th person arrested in the case so far. The CBI, which is probing the case, had declared an award of Rs. 50,000 for information on his whereabouts.

“Apart from the Jnaneswari Express case, he was implicated in a case registered with the Jhargram police as well. We received information about where he was hiding and I immediately asked the officer-in-charge of the Manikpara police station to go to the area and make the arrest,” Mr. Tripathi said.

Roy, a resident of Muraboni village, was found hiding near the area. He will be produced in court on Tuesday.

Several conspirators, including main accused Umakant Mahato and Asit Mahato, are absconding. A cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh has been announced for information on both.