So far, death of 27 persons has been confirmed by a team of doctors that has rushed to the spot, said Mishra.
Railways suspect that tampering of the track near Kuneru station led to the derailment of the train.
“There is a strong indication of tampering with the track as the area is known to be a Naxal-prone zone and as Republic Day is approaching. Foul play cannot be ruled out,” sources said.
Terming the incident as “saddening”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
said the Railway Ministry was monitoring the situation very closely and working to ensure quick rescue and relief operations.
