CRPF first to reach site

Around 500 CRPF and CoBRA personnel engaged in anti-Maoist operations in West Midnapore district were the first to reach the site where a Maharashtra-bound express train derailed early on Friday after sabotage on the tracks.

A CRPF spokesman told reporters that personnel of the 165 CRPF battalion posted at Maoist-affected Manikpara, close to the accident spot, arrived at 2 am and were the first rescuers on the scene. The incident took place around 1.30 am.

The spokesman said they were soon joined by personnel of the 184 battalion and six CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) teams.