Kolkata, Nov 28: Nineteen sympathisers of the People's War Group were arrested during intensive combing in areas around Salbani forest in west Midnapore district in connection with the powerful landmine blast that injured three patrolling policemen yesterday. The arrests were made when the state armed police and RAF personnel conducted joint combing operations through the night in the Salbani forest around Pirakata outpost, the scene of the blast. The State's DIG (HQ) of police, N C Ghosh, said today that the arrested had connection with the People's War Group and were being subjected to intense interrogation for ascertaining the activities of the PWG militants in the region. However, no arms were found on them.

Ghosh said that the raids would continue.
Security in the forest range and nearby areas has been tightened.

The ultras carried out the blast while the police party was moving in a jeep in search of four criminals at Pirkata.


Three policemen were injured in the blast while the jeep was badly damaged.
Bureau Report