Cops on tenterhooks as Rosaiah travels by train

The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah’s train travels are giving nightmares to those charged with his security as they are having a tough time guarding the train as it stops at and passes through Naxal-affected districts and forests.

Mr Rosaiah travelled by the Simhapuri Express from Secunderabad to Ongole on April 18 to participate in a gram sabha in a remote village in Prakasam district.

Unpredictable weather conditions and still-fresh memories of former chief minister Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy’s fatal crash have ensured that helicopters are not the choice mode of transport of VVIPs these days.

A senior official of the state police said, “Intelligence Bureau had earlier alerted that Maoists could hijack trains to free incarcerated Naxal leader Kobad Ghandhy. There were several instances of Naxals targeting trains. A VIP on a train passing through Warangal in North Telangana and Khammam bordering Chhattisgarh cannot be taken easily.”

Officials of the Intelligence Security Wing say that foolproof security is being given to him on whatever route he takes. An official said, “Whether he goes by air, road or train we make all security arrangements.”