Indian Maoists free seized train

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Maoist rebels who seized a train carrying several hundred passengers in eastern India have released them, reports Reuters.
They held the passengers for a short time but then withdrew. A Maoist spokesman there was no plan to cause harm and it was a symbolic gesture.
The incident came a day before the second round of voting in India's general election. It was one of several rebel-linked attacks in the area.
Blasts were reported at both a railway station and a government office in the state, but no-one was hurt.
In neighbouring Bihar state, rebels shot and killed a truck driver in the town of Gaya, and torched several trucks.
The rebels have asked people to boycott the polls, which are taking place in five phases until 13 May.
Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed ahead of Thursday's vote.
At least 17 people were killed in attacks blamed on Maoists during the first stage of the election last week.
The train was seized at 0830 local time (0300 GMT) as it passed through a remote part of the state.
Just over three hours later the Maoists freed the hostages and retreated back into the jungle, police told the BBC.
A Maoist spokesman, Gopal said "This was a symbolic gesture, no intention to cause harm to passengers and anyway it is very hot here."
The hostage-takers - who had called for a strike in Jharkhand on Wednesday - were reportedly protesting against the death of five villagers allegedly shot by troops last week.
The troops said the five were local Maoists, who were killed during a clash following an attack in which two soldiers died.
Maoists operate in 182 districts in India, mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
This is not the first time rebels have seized a train in the area. In March 2006 they seized a train in Latehar, also in Jharkhand, taking many hostages - but freed them 12 hours later.