Mantri goes missing at railway station, found on another train

BHOPAL: In a major security scare early Sunday, Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram went missing at MP's Damoh station during a train journey from Delhi to Jabalpur. Finding his berth vacant, security staff launched an all-out search. He was traced three hours later at Sihora Road station, 162km away, with bruises on his body.

Oram sought to allay concerns, tweeting on Tuesday: "Chairing a meeting of my ministry to finalise key projects for the current financial year. I am perfectly fine and fully committed to my duties. Rumours being spread are completely baseless. I urge everyone to focus on facts, not fall for misinformation."

'Oram had a bout of low blood sugar and was looking for something to eat'

Jual Oram had boarded Gondwana Express at Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station on Saturday evening. He was scheduled to attend a function in MP's Mandla on Monday.


At 3.45am, the train reached Damoh, and the minister got off. Sometime later, his security guards were alarmed to find he wasn't on his berth.

They took the help of RPF personnel and searched the train, but to no avail. The authorities were alerted, and a frantic search ensued.

A little before 7am Sunday, the minister was traced on Sampark Kranti Express at Sihora Road railway station in Jabalpur. Oram was on coach B-3, berth 57. He was taken for medical treatment and provided security.

Sources in state BJP said the minister got off at Damoh as he had a bout of low blood sugar and was looking for something to eat.

When the train started to move, Oram tried to board but slipped and fell on the platform, hurting his knees and legs.