Mamata Banerjee's special leader arrested by NIA, accused of hijacking train

Calcutta, Ta. 29. Sunday 2021 March

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Chhatradhar Mahato, a leader close to Mamata Banerjee in the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. Mahato is accused of hijacking the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Express train in 2009.

According to the allegations, Mahato along with his accomplices tried to seize the train by firing. Mahato was apprehended from his residence late on Saturday night.

Mahato is also known as Mamata Banerjee's envoy. She has consistently campaigned for the TMC in this election. The Mahatos have a good grip on the tribal areas of Bengal.

Mahato will be produced in court today after his arrest. Last year, Mahato split with the Maoist party and took the TMC by the hand.