IB alert on Kobad escape plot

Hyderabad, Nov. 27: Intelligence sleuths have uncovered a Maoist plot to free senior leader Kobad Gandhy. The Maoists had been planning to release Gandhy during his transfer from Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has alerted the state police on the Maoists’ plot to hijack the train, attack the police party guarding Gandhy and to “free” him from the police custody.

The London-educated and CPI Maoist central committee member was brought to Karimnagar to be produced in a local court in a case related to the criminal conspiracy to blow up police stations.

State cops have now changed their plans and are planning to take Gandhy to Delhi either by flight or an isolated bogie in the AP Express with increased security.

A senior police official of IG rank involved in anti-Naxal operations said, “We have an alternative plan ready with us and we are making arrangements to take him on flight to Delhi on Saturday. After reviewing the security, if we feel it is possible, we will take him by AP Express. But there is information that the Maoists have planned an attack to free him. The train from Hyderabad reaches Delhi crossing Maharasthra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It passes through several forest areas”

“Since we are taking him to Delhi by train that passes through several states we have to be doubly cautious,” said another official.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the top Maoist leader’s counsel filed an application of contempt of court against the Andhra Pradesh police alleging that it failed to implement the court orders.