Bandh cripples life in Maoist-hit areas of West Bengal

Normal life was thrown out of gear in the three Maoist-hit districts of West Bengal this morning as the 48-hour bandh call given by the tribals begins Jhargram.

The police said no bus plied on the roads of the jungle mahal areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts since this morning.

All shops and other business establishments have remained closed due to the bandh call, the police said.

The tribals under the banner of People's Committee against People Atrocity (PCPA) which is backed by Maoists have given the bandh call to demand release of their secretary and other PCPA leaders from police custody, sources said.

PCPA secretary Ajit Mahato and other leaders were arrested on Saturday.