Cooker bombs, explosives found in Maoist hideouts in Biihar

After the killing of six Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gaya, security forces on Friday launched joint search operations in Chakarbandha forest area under Dumaria police station of the district and seized nine pressure cooker bombs and six improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

However, a joint team of CRPF and state police on Friday failed to lay their hands on any hardcore Naxalite leader. Police suspect that Maoist leaders, after getting wind of the impending search operation, could have escaped to forests of the adjacent Palamu district of Jharkhand.

The search operation began following intelligence inputs that the armed guerilla squad of Maoists was present in the area.

The forces entered the area from different sides and conducted intensive search in forest villages. Security personnel are keeping tabs on various routes which Maoists could use as escape routes.

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF has been pressed into operation inside the forest. “The battalion is equipped with hitech weapons, bomb detecting equipment and its commandos are ready to combat any attack of the Naxalites," said officials.

Dumaria is said to be a major Maoist stronghold in the state. Thick forests and hilly terrains make the area a safe haven for the rebels.

Combing operations had been intensified in surrounding areas of Maigra and Chakrabandha so that the Maoists could not escape, said CRPF sources.

Inspector general (CRPF) M K Sinha confirmed that combing operations were on against Maoists in areas bordering Palamu and Aurangabad districts. He said the death of the six CRPF personnel would not derail the fight against Maoists.

“The CRPF will go ahead with its combing operations against ultras. We will chase them out of hiding in the forests and hilly areas,” Sinha added.

Deputy inspector general (CRPF) Umesh Kumar told HT that out of nine injured personnel of the para-military force, deputy commandant B K Singh and constable Saifuddin Ali had been airlifted to New Delhi for better treatment.

The explosives seized from Maoist hideouts has been destroyed," said Kumar.