Security tightened after Maoists kill 24 security personnel

Sealdah (West Bengal), Feb 16 (ANI): Security has been tightened along the Maoists belt in West Bengal on Tuesday after Maoists warned of more carnage following the attack at a paramilitary force camp here on Monday evening in which 24 security personnel were killed.

Police sources claimed that at least 24 Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) jawans were killed in the attack that took place around 5: 30 p.m.

"According to information available here, nine jawans were burnt to death and five others were shot dead. We are yet to get the detailed figure of the casualty," said a source.

District Magistrate (DM) N S Nigam said that at least 50 Maoists on 25 motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons swooped down on the camp.

The Maoists also planted landmines on the entire stretch of the road leading to the camp, added Nigam.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) S Purakayastha said, "There were 51 EFR jawans and officers in the camp when the attack took place." senior police officer said, "The attack took most of the jawans by surprise as they were either whiling away their time in the camp or were busy in the kitchen cooking."

"The Maoists engaged in an initial exchange of fire with the sentries who repulsed the attack, but then the ultras outnumbered the jawans and barged into the camp setting it on fire," added the officer.

Meanwhile, Maoist leader Kishenji claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We have attacked the camp and this is our answer to Chidambaram's 'Operation Green Hunt' and unless the Centre stops this inhuman military operation, we are going to answer this way only," said Kishenji from an undisclosed location.

The attack came barely after a week Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's meeting in Kolkata to draw up a joint strategy to counter Maoists threat. (ANI)