Daltonganj: Suspected rebels of Maoist splinter group — Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) — set two coal-laden trucks ablaze at Goli Tarn in Latehar district on Tuesday evening.
Latehar superintendent of police Kumar Gaurav said that the incident occurred around 7.30 pm on November 5. “About half a dozen armed ultras were involved in the attack, though no firearms were used and no one was injured,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
The incident took place just 300 meters from the Amrawadeeh police picket, raising questions about security measures in the area.
“We are investigating whether the leaflets found from the site are genuinely from JJMP or if other criminals are attempting to mislead authorities by impersonating the group,” Gaurav said. He assured that the perpetrators would be caught and prosecuted.
The targeted trucks were transporting coal from Magadh colliery. While no coal traders or transporters had previously reported threats, the incident has emerged as a significant challenge for district police, especially given the presence of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the area.
The effectiveness of the Amrawadeeh police picket has come under scrutiny, as sources indicate they failed to challenge the attackers.