Chidambaram suspects Maoist hand

Chidambaram, however, was quick to add that the identity of the culprit would be established by the investigation.

The minister said this at a press conference here while presenting the monthly report of his ministry.
Soon after the train accident, Chidambaram had said it seemed like an act of sabotage. Reminded of his earlier stand, he said “that day I did not had information, today I have information on the Maoists”.

Quizzed on the Centre chalking out a new strategy against the Naxals, he said a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security would be held soon.
Asked whether a CBI probe would be ordered into the incident, he said the Ministry of Railways has suggested a CBI inquiry.  “We have asked for the West Bengal government’s views on the issue,” the minister said. The West Bengal government had ruled out CBI investigation into the Gyaneshwari Express derailment.

On whether the tribal division of Bastar in Chhattisgarh would  be declared “a disturbed area”, he said there was no such proposal.

The minister did not offer any comments on the possibility of using air force against the Naxals. Chidambaram said door for dialogue with the Naxals are open, provided “they abjure violence.”

Asked about the Jharkhand governor’s report on the current political developments consequent to the resignation of Chief Minister Sibu Soren, Chidambaram said the governor had informed him that he was exploring the possibilities of an alternative government in the state.