Maoist attack: Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee admits lapse in alertness of forces

West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today admitted that there was definite lack of alertness on the part of the forces leading to the massacre of 24 jawans by Maoists in West Midnapore district.

"There was breach in preparedness and lack of alertness," he said at the state headquarters here while announcing that an enquiry has been ordered to find out how the Maoists could carry out such an audacious attack on the Silda camp housing the Eastern Frontier Rifle (EFR) jawans on February 15.

"I decided to order an enquiry. We want to know the whole truth" including possible intelligence failure, Bhattacharjee, who holds the home (police) portfolio, said.

Terming the attack as heinous, the chief minister said "It was carried out by Maoist squads not only from our state but also from neighbouring states."

Asked from which states the Maoist squads came, Bhattacharjee said that it was subject to enquiry. He said that most of the firearms and ammunition at the camp had been looted by the Maoists after killing the EFR jawans and setting the camp on fire.