The joint forces on Friday conducted a huge manhunt in and around the Burishole jungles in Jamboni police station area of West Midnapore, searching relentlessly for slain Maoist leader Kishenji’s close associates Suchitra Mahato and others. “We believe she was injured and that is why she had to flee leaving her rifle and bag behind,” a CRPF member said.
Using sniffer dogs and anti-landmine devices, the joint forces fanned out in the forest. “There are over a dozen villages in this area. The jawans searched each and every home in these villages,” said a villager. Over 1,000 personnel of the joint forces, comprising the 167 and 184 Battalions of the CRPF, the CISF, CoBRA and allied forces carried out the combing operations. Some personnel also went to the health centres and medicine shops in the belief that the injured rebels may come there. During the combing operation, the police found one bag near Kishenji’s body. The bag contained `84,000, two cell phones, several SIM cards, a bundle of letters and an AK-47 rifle.