Jamshedpur : Following surrender of CPI-Maoist leader Ranjit Pal alias Rahul ( 35), who was wanted in about one-and-a half dozen naxal-related cases, including the murder of former JMM MP, Sunil Mahto at Ghatshila in 2007, the security forces have started operation at Ghatshila to arrest his associates.
Rahul was wanted in one of the cases registered with the Ghatshila Thana on August 30, 2008 related to a landmine blast at Bhurudih in Ghatshila causing 11 policemen to die on the spot. Notably, the 11 policemen were killed as they were on a surveillance mission at the rebel-infested Ghatshila Area by travelling in an anti-landmine vehicle in August 2008.
The senior police officer, when queried, said that though the case of MP, Sunil Mahto murder case is being investigated by the CBI, the team which will go to Bengal will also question the rebel leader this sensational murder case.
The police and para-military forces are engaged in the anti-insurgency operation in Ghatshila sub division, which is a hot bed of naxal activities after Saranda Has intensified the drive. The area has been sealed and a combing operation has been launched to flush out the Maoist guerrillas from the area.
Meanwhile, the police and paramilitary forces have started frisking commuters in the bordering areas. At some places common people are also being interrogated by police and paramilitary force on suspicion. Forces have been deployed in strategic locations.
Police said that the security has been beefed up in the area and they were keeping strict vigil on movement of the Naxalites. �There has been a substantial increase in Maoist activities in this. We are not much concerned about small acts of violence because these activities can be controlled by us, but the bigger attacks are worrisome,� said a security official.
Police sources have informed that on the basis of the leads provided by the arrested naxalite joint team of police and paramilitary forces are raiding at different places in Saranda area to nab other Maoists too.
Sources informed that the ultras belonging to the banned outfit CPI (Maoist) have been active in the areas like Dumaria, Musaboni, Chakulia, Bahragora and Ghatshila.
Sources informed that the police have decided to ensure strict vigil and deploy additional security forces in the fringe areas. �Security has been beefed up in the area and they were keeping strict vigil on movement of the Naxalites. The plan is to keep a tab on the camps being operated by ultras,� said another official.
