Maoist bandh hits 3 Bengal districts,Lalgarh deserted

The indefinite bandh called by Maoists on Tuesday paralysed three districts of Bengal West Midnapore,Bankura and Purulia with tribal-dominated areas being the worst hit. While a landmine exploded at Kantapahari in Lalgarh,a CRPF personnel was killed in an accidental blast in Midnapore town.

As Lalgarh,where joint forces are conducting an operation against the Maoists,wore a deserted look,with shops,business establishments and schools in tribal areas remaining shut,four persons allegedly with Maoist links were arrested on the first day of the bandh. The Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA),a frontal organisation of Maoists,supported the call.

PCAPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato said the bandh would continue indefinitely. The bandh has been called against the police operation in Lalgrah and other areas. Innocent tribals are being arrested and branded as Maoists, he added.

However,Bengal DGP Bhupinder Singh said,We already have security forces on the ground who are conducting an operation against armed Maoist squads. We have heightened security arrangements keeping in mind the bandh call.

Meanwhile,CRPF jawan Deepak Kumar died on Tuesday after an accidental blast at the Midnapore Sports Complex base camps. An accidental blast killed the jawan inside the camp, said West Midnapore SP Manoj Verma.