Maoist Play Suspected in AP Hirakund Express AccidentAt least 35 are killed and over 100 passengers are injured when Hirakund Express got derailed near Kuneru Railway Station, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. Relief Operations are going on and the death toll is likely to increase. On the other side, Police and Railway officials are busy ascertaining the reason for the accident.

The area comes under Maoist-affected region and so they doubt if this the work of them ahead of the Republic Day. The way the fishplates are removed is giving rise to the doubts. They appear like they are forcibly removed to cause the accident. Further investigation will confirm it.

On the other side, Maoists are yet to claim responsibility for the accident. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced exgratia of 2 Lakhs for deaths, 50000 for those who are grieviously injured and 25000 for those who are injured.