There are indications that Tuesday’s Rajdhani Express hijack at Banstala near Jhargram was primarily aimed at ambushing security forces, and that even as tribals kept the train under siege, Naxalites with sophisticated weaponry were supporting them and waiting under the cover of the nearby forest. This is how it finally played out:

With the train stranded between Jhargram and Sardiha, two CRPF companies were directed to move in from both sides. Having covered 15-odd km from its base near Jhargram, one CRPF company was ambushed in the forest, where Naxalites opened fire on their vehicle. “It was clear that they knew that the forces were on their way. There was exchange of fire between our men and the Naxals, many of whom appeared to be well-equipped with sophisticated weapons,” a senior CRPF official told The Indian Express. It was following this ambush that this company decided to cover the remaining 6-km distance on foot.

The other CRPF company moving in from the Sardiha side, too, travelled almost 17 km in a vehicle before they were forced to move on foot due to the absence of motorable roads. Both the companies, with around 70 personnel each, reached the train site almost simultaneously.

Those holding the train hostage dispersed into the forests in no time. While no landmines or explosive materials were recovered from the spot, eyewitness accounts suggested that the men holding the train hostage were primarily tribals with most carrying bow and arrows.

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