By IANS,
Kolkata: A key Maoist leader was arrested during a search operation jointly carried out by the central paramilitary forces and state police in West Bengal’s troubled West Midnapore district Thursday, police said.
The joint forces also seized a huge cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives during the operation – the biggest since the central forces offensive started in June last year. These included the weapons and ammunition looted during the attack on Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) camp Feb 15.
“A key Maoist leader, Jaharlal Mahato, was arrested from Shalboni’s Mathurapur area during the raids,” a police officer said.
“We have also recovered a huge cache of fire arms – including AK-47 and INSAS rifles – and explosive devices during the joint operation,” West Midnapore police chief Manoj Verma told IANS on phone.
“The firearms looted during the Maoist attack at the EFR’s Shilda camp Feb 15 that left 25 dead were also recovered in the joint raids,” he added.
According to sources, the joint raids were carried out at Binpur, Lalgarh, Shalboni, Paluiboni and Mathurapur area in the district.
Meanwhile, the Maoist-backed People’s Committee against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) has called for an indefinite strike from April 9 in Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts.
Police said a group of suspected Maoists also set three tractors on fire at Gopiballavpur in West Midnapore district early Thursday.