Kolkata, Nov 19 : A rail track in Sainthia-Andal section of Eastern Railways near Suri in West Bengal was blown up by Maoists on Monday, the first day of the two-day long shutdown by the banned group in states of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand against the recent violent takeover of Nandigram by CPI (M) cadres.

According to railway sources, the three metres of the railway track between Panchsura and Bhimgarh in Birbhum District was found to have been blown up by the railway staff when they went to the spot for routine inspection before the first train of the day began plying.

The repairing work is underway and train movement on the route were suspended.

All police stations across Bihar were put on maximum alert. Security has been beefed up at all sensitive areas, including railway stations and bus depots in view of the shutdown

Zonal Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police were asked to maintain extra vigil on the activities of the Maoists.

The raids were conducted by the Special Auxiliary Police and Central Para Military Force in the Maoists dominated areas.

Additional forces were deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

In West Bengal, Maoist-affected Purulia, Midnapore and Bankura districts were brought under a security net.

In Jharkhand, tight security arrangements were made at all sensitive areas to check any violent incidents.

Instructions were issued to all top police officials to take preventive measures during the shutdown. (ANI)