Armed men beat workers, set afire machine at rly construction site

CHATRA: The excavator machine engaged in the construction of Shivpur-Kathautia railway line was set ablaze by 12 armed men who identified themselves as extremists of Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC). The incident took place at Phulwaria Bridge number 106 under Tandwa police station area of the district.
On Tuesday late night, more than 12 armed men threatened workers and burnt an expensive excavator machine. Eyewitnesses said that they thrashed the labourers and also fired in the air. After the incident, a handwritten leaflet was also left in the name of TSPC.
In the leaflet, a warning has been given to the coal traders and contractors working in the block area. A worker said, "All were sleeping when the extremists beat them. Five workers sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment in Tandwa. Extremists fired three rounds. Before leaving, they set an excavator ablaze."
The handwritten leaflets read, "All works going on in the area should not be started without TSPC's consent. Otherwise, you will be responsible for your own death."
Tandwa sub-divisional police officer Shambhu Kumar Singh and officer in-charge of Tandwa police station Vijay Singh arrived at the spot on Wednesday. They spoke to a few injured labourers and promised security to the company officials. "Raids are on to nab the culprits," said Kumar.
Chatra SP visited the spot.
In the last one year, there have been about a dozen attacks at railway construction sites in the state. Chief project manager of Railway Vikas Nigam Limited, Ranchi, Vishal Anand had recently written a letter to the state government, requesting security following frequent attacks.