In a joint operation, paramilitary force CRPF and police unearthed a militant hideout and recovered a huge haul of weapons as well as explosives of People’s liberation Front of India (PlFI) at Podangir in Porahat jungle under Bandhgaon police station area in West Singhbhum, last evening.
The police have also arrested a PlFI activist identified as Johan Barjo alias Salim(30).
The fire-arms which have been recovered include eight rifles, four double-barrel guns, two carbines, 250 kgs of detonators, which had been concealed in a place in the dense jungle of Podangir.
This apart the police have also seized four magazines meant for carbine from the possession of Salim.
The West Singhbhum district superintendent of police, Michael Raj said that Salim who is a resident of Sonua block in West Singhbhum is a PlFI activist and was along with six other PlFI rebels who managed to escape.
“The police received secret information that some ultras of banned outfit and hatching plan. Acting on a tip-off we succeeded in raiding. It is a major achievement for the security forces engaged in the anti-Maoist operation here. After intelligence reports alerted us we formed a team of district police and other security forces for this operation and successfully executed it,” He said.
“Those who managed to escape include Mangra lugun, Jidan Guria, Sanichar Surin, Marshal Guria and Thomas Hembram. In this connection, we have registered a case of under Sections 25(1-B) and 26 Arms Act, 4/5 Explosive Substance Act and Section 17 ClA Act, which means for indulging in naxal activity,” said Michael.
Notably, this is the second such breakthrough against the PlFI rebels active in the West Singhbhum district within the past fortnight.
Earlier on June 4, the police and CRPF unearthed an illegal mini-gun factory and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a prolonged joint search operation at two different places in Tabo also from the Bandhgaon police station area.
The police and paramilitary forces have also beefed up the naxal infested areas of West Singhbhum district. Sources informed that the police are frisking commuters in the bordering areas.