Maoists attack jt forces in Jhargram

Maoists exploded three landmines, opened fire and burst crackers at joint forces in Bibihari-Madhupur and Keodesole forest areas of West Midnapore district during an overnight raid that ended today.

Maoists exploded three landmines, opened fire and burst crackers at joint forces in Bibihari-Madhupur and Keodesole forest areas of West Midnapore district during an overnight raid that ended on Sunday.

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Jhargram additional superintendent of police Mukesh Kumar said the raids were launched by eight companies of CRPF, Cobra, state armed police Saturday evening following a tip off that two squads of Moaists had gathered in the forests with explosives to perpetrate acts of sabotage.

The joint forces retaliated and forced the Maoists to retreat, he said adding none was injured in the exchange.

Later, during searches the joint forces seized about 120 kg explosives stacked in two plastic drums and stored under the ground near a waterbody in the Madhupur forest, near Jamboni which provides easy access to Jharkhand.

The explosives included detonators and three landmines, a large number of cartridges besides a single barrel gun, he said.

None was arrested, Kumar added.