Lalgarh: Cop abducted by suspected Maoists

Raj Kanojia,IG,Law and Order,said a private vehicle which ferries water to police camps was hijacked by a Maoist squad at Pirrakhuli forest near Pirakata. They abducted the driver and cleaner. Kanojia also said probably one ASI was also in the vehicle and he too was taken away by the Maoists.

A source in the district police of West Midnapore said the Maoists set fire to the vehicle and fled into the forest.

However,they released the driver and cleaner of the vehicle later but did not release Dipak Pramanik,the ASI suspected to have been kidnapped.

Police have started a combing operation in the forests to trace him. The force,however,did not take any chances to foray deep into the dense forest areas at night.

State police and Central forces have taken control over Pirakata and Pirrakhuli after commencement of the joint operation in June.