Maoists explode 2 landmines in West Bengal to facilitate escape of leader

Maoists exploded two landmines to facilitate the escape of one of its leaders when the combined security forces raided a forested area in West Midnapore district today.

Security personnel raided the area in search of Asit Mahato, a leader of the Maoist-backed People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) when the Maoists exploded two landmines to enable him to escape, police said.

Mahato could not be traced, they said.

The combined force has stepped up operations following the blast in which there was no injury, police added.

Meanwhile, 13 Maoist-backed tribal women were granted bail by a Jhargram court yesterday after they were arrested for trying to storm a police station in Jhargram area of the district.