Ultras blast tracks, CRPF convoy attacked

GUWAHATI, July 31: A Guwahati-bound goods train was derailed near Sarupeta in Barpeta district when militants triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) early today. In another incident, at least 20 CRPF personnel had a providential escape when militants detonated a powerful bomb on Nalbari-Dhamdhama Road at Balitara under Ghograpar police station last night. Suspected Bodo militants exploded a powerful bomb at Bhalaguri between Sarupeta and Barpeta when the Guwahati-bound goods train was passing through the area at 8.30 am this morning. Six bogies and the engine were damaged. Four other bogies were derailed, official sources said. The driver of the engine, however, escaped with minor injuries. Both the broad gauge and metre gauge tracks were damaged due to the blast disrupting railway communication and forcing Northeast Frontier Railway authorities to cancel and reschedule several trains. Top railway officials, district police and civil officials rushed to the spot following the explosion. Traffic on the broad-gauge section was immediately suspended after the blast. The tracks are likely to be restored by August 3. In another incident, 20 CRPF personnel had a miraculous escape when a powerful explosive device planted by suspected ULFA militants exploded on the Nalbari-Dhamdhama Road last night. Two vehicles carrying the 22 Bn CRPF men escaped unscathed. The blast left a deep crater. There was an encounter between the militants and the CRPF personnel after the blast. However, the militants managed to escape into the adjacent jungles. Several people from the area have been picked up by the police for interrogation.