High alert has been sounded and security has been beefed up across Bokaro district ahead of Independence Day as CPI (Maoist) issued a protest against the celebration.

Cops are keeping a hawk-eyed vigil to spoil any possible threats, police said. Police along with CRPF jawans have intensified search operations in Upperghat and Jhumra regions as cadres of the outlawed CPI Maoist have begun the celebrations to make their ‘Martyr Week’ a grand success.

 There were intelligence inputs suggesting that the CPI (Maoist)’s People’s liberation Army which annually observed the Martyr’s Week which started from Friday (28 July to 3 August) onwards to give a tribute to their leader Charu Mazumadar and Kanahi Chhatrjee on their death anniversaries.

 The Intelligence Bureau has issued an alert as the Maoist’s cadre could target security forces and government properties too. Maoists could plant landmines to target security forces in Bokaro, Dhanbad and Giridih districts, sources said. It has been observed in the past that the Maoists have taken this day as an opportunity to highlight themselves.

Therefore, it is not a new issue for them. Meanwhile, the districts police have decided to put cities in foolproof security cover. On the direction of higher ups high alert has been declared across the district, said Sanjay Kumar SSP Operation.

 Police are instructed to tackle all adverse situations and keep strong security arrangements.

Patrolling has been intensified in the districts, he said. More than 20 spots were identified as most sensitive place only in Bokaro and cops were asked to keep special attention under Nawadih, Jaridih, Kasmar, Chandrapura, Gandhinagar, Bokaro Thermal, Mahuatand, IEl, Gomia, Paterwar, Bermo, Bhojudih, Harla, BS City, Pindrajora, Chas police station areas, sources said.