The Maoists are planning to launch an offensive on the security forces after the Lalgarh rally on August 9. A secret meeting headed by Maoist leader Manasharam Hembram alias Bikas was held on Tuesday at Pidrakhuli to fine-tune the action plan, claimed an intelligence report that has reached the state home department. Some top level Maoist leaders are expected to enter West Bengal on August 8 or 9 to spearhead the operation, intelligence sources said.
The report further claims that apart from Bikas, Gyaneswari derailment accused Asit Mahato and Umakanta Mahato were also present in the meeting. Bikas who is believed to be hiding at Kalsibhanga had organised the meeting at Pidrakhuli near Pirakata “phari”. “The Maoists will either try to attack the security forces who will be deployed for the security arrangements or will try to attack some other police camp. But it will be only after the VIPs leave the area,” revealed an intelligence source.
The report hints that some “outsiders” have already sneaked into the West Bengal periphery. However, big Maoist leaders are expected to come not before August 8 or 9. “If we come across these people including even the PCPA members who have cases pending against them during the rally, we will arrest them immediately,” said West Bengal director general of police Bhupinder Singh.
The police suspects that PCPA secretary Manoj Mahato’s announcement on Wednesday that they want to participate in the rally, is only a ploy to enter Lalgarh in a large number. “Members of the Maoist frontal organisation PCPA want to participate in the rally only to create chaos once the rally is over. Apart from participating in the rally, there is no other way in which they can come near the rally venue because there would be very tight security, especially for the minister,” said a senior police officer.