The blast that killed five CRPF officials near Lalgarh in West Midnapore on Wednesday, was evidently triggered by a high-intensity improvised explosive device (IED).
The joint security forces later recovered similar IEDs from Kolaboni and Jitushole in Jhargram. Maoist leader Rakhal has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Soon after the blast, the Maoists who were hiding in the adjoining jungles of Tentultala and Kadasole, opened fire. “The Maoists opened fire to snatch arms. However, they failed to do that,” said West Bengal DGP Bhupinder Singh. While four died on the spot, two others, including the deputy-commandant Vijay Pratap Singh and a constable Naba Kumar Ghosh were badly injured and were rushed to the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. They were then airlifted and brought to Kolkata. However, soon after landing, the Vijay Pratap Singh succumbed to his injuries. The three deceased constables of the 66th Battalion were identified as B.L. Singh, Sravant Biswal and D. Babu. The last victim was driver Rakesh Kumar who also died in the ambush.