After the Maoists ransacked a CPM office and set fire to it at Bhavanipur in Purulia on Tuesday, local Left leaders demanded deployment of more Central forces in the area.

Nakul Mahato, Purulia CPM district committee secretary, alleged that the Maoists are trying to create another Lalgarh in Barrabazar and Balarampur blocks, which share border with Jharkhand.

He said that a group of Maoists had come from Jharkhand — which is only two kms away — and raided the party office. Superintendent of Police (Purulia) Sharad Jadav said no one was injured in the attack.

Since 2008, over 15 local CPM leaders have lost their lives in various attacks carried out by the Maoists who have established a strong base in Dalma hills, said Mahato. He also said that the ultras have been operating under the banner of various frontal tribal organisations and succeeded in spreading their influence in Ahyadhaya hills.

Sources in the intelligence department said that just like in Lalgarh the Maoists formed a tribal group called “Adivashi Mulbasi Janaganer Committee” at Balarampur and Barabazar blocks in December 2008 to protest against alleged police atrocities. Arghya Mandi and Sambhu Singh Sardar, who were arrested a few years ago for their alleged involvement with Maoists attacks and were released on bail, became leaders of the group.

On February 22, the group held a meet at Balarampur addressed by PCAPA leader Chatradhar Mahato. Armed Maoist cadres were also present, said the source.

Meanwhile, the police said that with the help of central forces they have increased patrolling in the areas bordering Jharkhand. Jadav said that four companies of central forces are already stationed in various parts of Purulia and if required police patrolling will be intensified. ens

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