Maoist network spreads to Nandigram

According to intelligence reports, the rebels are helping out villagers with arms and ammunition

KOLKATA: In a significant breakthrough, the intelligence branch (IB) of the West Bengal police have come to know how arms and ammunition are being sent to activists of Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (land eviction resistance committee) that is spearheading a movement to retain control over Nandigram.

What is even more alarming, according to IB findings, is that their firepower has increased significantly over the past three months. This is due to uninterrupted supply of sophisticated arms by Maoist guerrillas. The IB report has further pointed out that a group of six Maoist explosives and firearms specialists have already reached Nandigram to train the activists.

According to IB sources, all six members of the group are in the most-wanted category, with several cases of murder against them. The six-member team includes Ranjit Pal, Gauranga Chakraborty and Sangita Pal, all of whom are wanted for a series of insurgency activities in the districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.

As per the IB findings, apart from country-made single shooter guns, muskets and revolvers, the committee is in procession of at least two AK47 rifles, three self-loading rifles and over 60 mortars of various ranges. “All of these came into Nandigram is different consignments along with the Maoist guerrillas. We suspect that these Maoists have also brought to Nandigram the high quality explosive Neogel 90 along with them,” a senior IB official said.

The IB has also secured information that these sophisticated arms are not supplied free by the Maoists. “We have come to know that Maoists are selling these items at a nominal cost to the committee activists. However, we are not yet sure who is proving the funds,” the IB official said.