Kantapahari (WB), June 30 (PTI) Security forces on tuesday further consolidated their grip over Maoist-held areas in West Mindapore district and launched combing operations in 22 villages of Lalgarh.
With Kantapahari recaptured, all borders of Lalgarh had been sealed, a senior police officer said.
"Now we want to ensure that the extremists do not come back to the area. We are consolidating the position we have gained so far," the police officer told PTI.
He said the Maoists might have left West Midnapore district and retreated into neighbouring Jharkhand after Kantapahari, the ultras' last stronghold in Lalgarh, fell to security forces on Monday.
As the operations against the Maoists entered the 13th day, central forces and police are now engaged in sanitising all 22 villages of Lalgah.
On Monday, the forces searched Baropelia, Chotopelia, Dalilpur chowk and other villages for suspected Maoists and possible arms and ammunition.
The police suspects that Maoists may still be present in some pockets like Sejua, Koima and Kalimuri.
At Salgora village in the Sejua area, the forces recovered ammunition and also detained three suspected Maoists.
{{/usCountry}}At Salgora village in the Sejua area, the forces recovered ammunition and also detained three suspected Maoists.
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