Special operation group formed to combat Maoists

Barrackpore, Mar 16 (UNI) West Bengal police today formed a special operation group to combat militancy even as a group of Maoist leaders is trying to garner support for their cause.

A few Maoist leaders would be meeting mediapersons in the city today to speak about their aims and objectives.

The special operation group includes several sub-divisional police officers and senior inspectors from various districts. The group would try to combat Maoists activities in Purulia, Bankura and Midnapur West districts.

A high-level meeting, including Inspector General of Police Banibrata Basu and DIG Gangeshwar Prasad Singh, was held at Belpahari, West Midnapur at which the decision to form the special group was taken.

At least four SDPOs from Egra, Contai, Bengharia and Chandannagar and a District Super(town) from South 24 Parganas have been asked to report at Belpahari, the Maoist dominated area of West Midnapur, immediately.

The group will guide the Central forces deputed in the areas under Maoists control like Belpahari, Ranibandh and Lalgarh, the sources said.

The group will also conduct special raids in the jungle areas along with the central forces till the elections are over, the sources added.

UNI XC SP-PC VD KP1150