The West Bengal intelligence branch, on March 4, alerted the Superintendent of Polices (SPs) of Jhargram, West Midnapore, Birbhum, Purulia and Bankura Districts on likely Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) activities in the run-up to the State Assembly elections, reports The Times of India. The alert was sent following a landmine explosion that claimed three Security Forces (SF) personnel in West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand, near Purulia and Jhargram District borders, on March 4.
The message made it clear that Maoist leaders like Akash, Anal and Maharaj Pramanik are likely to sneak into Bengal border. Akash has several cases pending against him while Maharaj had killed five Policemen in Seraikela Kharsawan District of Jharkhand, close to Baghmundi in Purulia in June 2019. “It is desirable that all steps are taken timely to neutralize any threat. It is desirable that arrangements, including area domination, force movement and security of VIPs, be reviewed keeping in mind operational aspects relating to anti-Maoist strategy in these districts,” the message to SPs read.