Security forces combing encounter area in West Midnapore

Security forces were combing the Arabari reserve forest in West Midnapore today where a dozen Maoists were killed in an encounter to flush out ultras who might be hiding there.

The CRPF, BSF, state armed police and CoBRA personnel
were combing the forest with anti-landmine devices since early
this morning, police sources said.

"We suspect some Maoists might be hiding in the forest after yesterday's encounter," the sources said.

The police, meanwhile, recovered the bullet-riddled body of a CPI(M) deserter Niranjan Mahato from Pirjakali near Salboni late last night.

"We suspect the hand of Maoists in Mahato's killing," the sources said.

Twelve Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the area yesterday.