Maoists deny kidnapping of train driver, PCPA claims responsibility India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Top Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao alias Kishanji on Tuesday denied allegations of the rebel outfit kidnapping a train driver. In the afternoon, it was reported that suspected Maoists had abducted the driver of the Delhi-Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express at Bashthala station in West Bengal. Speaking to a private news channel from an undisclosed location, Kishanji said: " We (Maoist) are not responsible for the kidnapping. We have not given call for the bandh. It was Peoples Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA), which called for it. But we are supporting the bandh" "I can assure you that both drivers are safe and would be released soon," he added. Meanwhile, PCPA sources claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and have asked Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to come for the talks. The villagers stopped the train, and forced the drivers to come out, they will be released by evening, a private channel reported quoting PCPA sources.