Maoists injure 13 policemen in Bengal

KOLKATA - A police team that raided a Maoist meeting in West Bengal’s Midnapore district early Thursday was attacked by the rebels with bricks and batons. Thirteen police personnel were injured in the counter-attack.

A police team, acting on a tip-off, conducted a raid at Chunapara area of Sankrail in Jhargram sub-division, where the Maoists were holding a meeting with the villagers, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operation) Mukesh Kumar told IANS over phone.

“Keeping women and children in the forefront as shield, the Maoists attacked the security personnel, resulting in injuries to 13 policemen, including Uttam Kumar Debnath, the officer-in-charge of the Sankrail police station,” he said.

“Debnath was rushed to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition. Some other injured personnel were also admitted there. The rest were taken to Jhargram sub-divisional hospital,” he added.

The Maoists also looted a few firearms, including the AK-47 of the officer and ammunitions.

“A huge contingent of police rushed to the spot and search operations are being carried out,” Kumar said.

Maoists are active in three western districts of the state - West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.