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West Bengal Timeline 2011

Date

Incidents

January 2

Three cadres of the CPI-Maoist were arrested from Lakxmanpur area of the West Midnapore District. Acting on a tip-off, the Security Forces raided the village and arrested Mangal Mahato, Gopal Mahato and Jagadish Mahato, Superintendent of Police Manoj Verma said.

January 3

Four Maoists cadres were arrested from Belpahari area of Jhargram in West Midnapore District. Acting on a tip-off, the SFs raided the area and arrested Biswanath, Mukunda, Samay Kisku and Prafulla Ruidar, Jhargram SP Pravin Tripathi said.

January 4

A cadre of the CPI-Maoist was killed and another seriously injured in an encounter between the Maoists and the SFs in Bakshibandh forest near Lalgarh in West Midnapore District.

The CBI made its eighteenth arrest in the Gyaneshwari Express derailment incident from the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District.

January 5

An accused, identified as Bimal Mahato in the Gyaneshwari case secured bail. Jharkhand resident Bimal is among the 23 chargesheeted in the case. He was granted bail by Jhargram court on the ground that he reportedly had just provided shelter to prime accused Monoj Mahato alias Bapi who was arrested by the West Bengal CID from his home on August 26, 2010.

January 6

A local leader of the ruling CPI-M, identified as Dilip Mahato was abducted and killed by the CPI-Maoist cadres in West Midnapore District. 'Dilip Mahato, secretary of CPI-M's Jambedia branch committee in Sankrail Police Station area was found dead in the morning of January 7,' said ASP Mukesh Kumar.

The Maoists triggered a landmine blast inside the house of Nemai Sen, a local CPI-M leader in Nadaria village near Salboni area. 'A group of 15-20 armed Maoists attacked Sen's house in the night. As Nemai was not present at that time, the Maoists dragged out his father and beat him up severely. Later a major portion of the house was blown up by triggering landmine blast inside the house,' said a senior Police Officer.

The restrictions on movement of passenger trains during night in Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand will continue till January 13, the South Eastern Railway (SER) said in Kolkata.

January 7

Some Maoist posters were noticed on the walls of a CPI-M party office and local club in Gangulibagan area in the southern Kolkata, a Police Official said.

January 8

PCPA, the CPI-Maoist-backed outfit, the leadership said that its cadres were behind the attack — on what it described as a camp of the ‘harmad’ (hired armed goons) — which led to violence resulting in the death of seven persons at Netai village in the Lalgarh area of the State's West Midnapore District on January 7.

January 9

A group of suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a villager, identified as Jamil Soren in West Midnapore District. Soren, a native of Garra village near Lalgarh, was dragged out of his house and was shot dead. Locals said Soren was a former member of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the ruling CPI-M. He recently joined the Maoist-backed PCPA and was active in the area.

January 12

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist set ablaze the house of a ruling CPI-M local committee member Bibek Mondal, who was not at home then, in Chandpal village of Sankrail in West Midnapore.

Over 150 under trial prisoners arrested in connection with Maoist activities have gone on an indefinite hunger strike in different jails of West Bengal. The strike has been launched as a protest against the 'mass killings' at Netai village of Lalgarh where seven unarmed villagers were shot dead by the CPI-M cadres on January 7.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh says there are no armed camps in the State. This claim came, before the State is to file an affidavit in Calcutta High Court on its stand on a Central Bureau of investigation probe into the Netai killings and whether "armed camps" can be dismantled with the help of Central and State Forces.

Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh later told reporters that he had asked Police Superintendents to submit reports on the presence of camps.

January 14

Intelligence officials have sent specific inputs to camps-in-charge under various Police Stations in West Midnapore District about an impending attack by cadres of the CPI-Maoist and PCPA. The report added, "Large numbers of arms and ammunition have been collected by (CPI-Maoist)/ PCPA and Sidhu Kanu Gana Militia supporters as well as criminals and miscreants supported by various political parties."

The death toll in the violence at Netai in the Lalgarh area of West Midnapore District rose to eight, with one woman identified as Gitali Adak, succumbing to their bullet injuries in Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital in Kolkata. PCPA, the CPI-Maoist backed outfit, were behind the January 7 violence at Netai.

January 16

The death toll in the violence at Netai in the Lalgarh area of West Midnapore District rose to nine, with one women identified as Arati Mondal (55) succumbing to their bullet injuries in Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital in Kolkata. PCPA, the CPI-Maoist backed outfit, were behind the January 7 violence at Netai.

January 17

A group of suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist set ablaze a ruling CPI-M party office at Dibibaksol under Jhargram Police limit in West Midnapore District.

The Maoists triggered a land mine blast in a building housing the office and training facility of a SHG, Naba Jagran Sangha, at Khaerboni village in Jhargram block. "Two land mines were blasted in a SHG's office in Patashimul area of Jhargram early today. The entire building was damaged. We suspect the Maoists active in the area are involved in the crime," said ASP Mukesh Kumar.

January 18

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist killed a person, stated to be a supporter of the ruling CPI-M, and assaulted more than 20 others in the Belatikri area near Lalgarh in West Midnapore District.

A division bench of Chief Justice J.N. Patel and Justice A.K. Roy of Calcutta High Court directed the joint SFs to find out if armed camps existed in the Junglemahal - the forest areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts - and neutralise them.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee agreed with the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's view that "all armed groups" operating in the State should be disarmed, a tacit admission that such gangs did exist in the State and Netai-like killings should not recur.

January 21

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist shot dead a CPI-M leader in West Midnapore District. The victim identified as 'Rabi Mahato, a CPI-M leader of Ramgarh near Lalgarh, was dragged out of his house by a group of armed men and was shot dead. His bullet-ridden body was recovered on the next morning.

Two skeletons were found near Lakhanpur forest near Lalgarh by villagers.

January 23

Three activists of the ruling CPI-M were killed by suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist in Rameswarpur village of Salboni in West Midnapore District. The three victims were identified as Karamchand Mahato (40), a resident of Hathilot village adjoining Rameswarpur, Uttam Roy and Kashinath Palmal of Sahaspur village in Keshpur, while the one injured, Sambhunath Samanta (25), is from Anandapur in Keshpur, DSP Aneesh Sarkar, said.

A CPI-Maoist squad leader, identified as Kalicharan alias Kaliram Soren active in Binpur area, was arrested by the Police from Jhatira village in Jhargram in West Midnapore District.

January 24

Two senior woman squad leaders of the CPI-Maoists operating from Gumla in neighbouring Jharkhand were arrested during a joint raid by the West Bengal and Jharkhand Police at Kanksa town under Durgapur sub-division of Bardhaman District.

January 26

Decomposed bodies of two ruling CPI-M workers, suspected to have been killed by the cadres of the CPI-Maoist, were recovered from the outskirts of Pathari village in the Jhargram area in West Midnapore District.

January 29

The CRPF said it has not been able to recover any arms from the camps allegedly run by the ruling CPI-M in Lalgarh and its adjoining Districts of West Bengal.

January 31

Two suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist were arrested from a relief camp run by TMC in West Midnapore.

Three Maoists, identified as Malini Hansda (26), Baburam Murmu (20) and Dhiren Soren (18), surrendered in Bankura District, to join the mainstream.

February 1

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist abducted Baria Soren, a ruling CPI-M supporter, at gunpoint from Sapdhara village in West Midnapore District.

February 2

Acting on a tip-off, the Police arrested three Maoist action squad members, identified as Siddhartha Pal, Gooden Soren and Srinath Murmu from the Namagacharia forest in Bankura District.

A suspected cadre of the CPI-Maoist, identified as Tapan Mudi, was arrested from Jhargram Police District. He was involved in the murder of Ajit Mondal, a ruling CPI-M worker in May 2010, Police said.

Hundreds of locals blocked National Highway-6 near Bankshole village in the Police District. The agitating villagers claimed that Joint Forces picked up Gouranga Khilari, a student of Class X, while he was on his way to school.

February 4

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist shot dead a local leader of the ruling CPI-M at Nayagram in West Midnapore District.

February 6

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist and Maoist-backed PCPA set a truck carrying sponge iron on fire in Jhargram sub-divisional municipality in West Midnapore District.

Pledging support to TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections, regional Maoist leader Bikram said that if Banerjee truly wants to work for the benefit of the people, she should resign from the Union Cabinet. His statement was released in the form of a CD to a section of the electronic media.

Bishnu Soren alias Rimil (40), a CPI-Maoist 'squad commander' operating in Binpur area of West Midnapore wanted in seven cases, including the Silda Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) camp attack, was arrested by Jhargram Police from the Binpur area in West Midnapore District.

February 7

he State Government said it had identified a 600-acre plot for locating a regional hub of the National Security Guard (NSG). State Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh told reporters that the land was located near Singur in Hooghly District, adding, "We will inform them about this plot and if they approve it, the handover can begin within four to five months."

February 9

The West Bengal State Government said the CPI-Maoist has infiltrated into the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) ranks and have triggered the violence. GJM is a party fighting for a separate State of Gorkhaland. "We have information that Maoists have sneaked into the Morcha ranks and they stoked violence there," a Home Department official said. The CPI-Maoist, earlier in the day, condemned the Police firing and said they were extending their support to the cause of the Morcha. Two persons were killed and 19 people, including seven GJM supporters and 12 Police personnel, were injured on February 8 during a protest which turned violent in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist shot dead Rabi Lochan Singh Mura, an AIFB supporter, in the Baghmundi area of Purulia District. Posters left behind by the Maoists at the murder site said that Rabi was killed as they suspected him to be a Police informer.

February 12

West Bengal Police recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the house of Maoist leaders Najim Sekh and Atar Sekh from Bindugram village in Burdwan District. "We recovered a U.S. made 9 mm pistol, one sten carbine gun, two magazines, and 35 rounds of cartridges. No arrests have been made till now," said Tirthendu Ganguly, the Officer in Charge of Mongalkote Police Station.

February 13

A local leader of the ruling CPI-M, identified as Rameshwar Bag (60) of Panchruki village in the Jhargram area, was killed by a group of 8-10 armed cadres of the CPI-Maoist in West Midnapore District. Maoist posters, claiming responsibility for the killing, were recovered from the spot. They read that Bag was given 'capital punishment' for acting as Police informer, SP Praveen Tripathy said.

February 14

A JMM supporter was killed by suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist at Gopiballavpur in West Midnapore District.

February 15

Uttam Mahato, a cadre of the CPI-Maoist squad led by Gautam Rana operating in Jhargram sub-division of West Midnapore District, was arrested. Uttam, arrested from his native place Tatai, was wanted in several cases, including four murders, arson and damaging Government properties, Jhargram SP Praveen Tripathi said.

Another Maoist, identified as Chinmoy Murmu, was arrested from Taldangra area of Bankura District.

Joint forces recovered a pistol from a panchayat office at the Belatikri village of Jhargram area in West Midnapore District.

February 16

An advanced central force of 100 companies of security men, to prevent pre-poll violence, will start arriving from February 20 for deployment in the Maoist-dominated areas and in North Bengal. West Bengal Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh said that of the total 800 companies of central forces sought by the State Government, an advanced team of 100 companies will start arriving from February 20.

February 17

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Bhim Baske and Ganesh Murmu were arrested after a gunfight at Bera and Baghghora by the Police in West Midnapore District. "Seeing the Forces approaching their hideout, the Maoists opened fire.

February 18

CPI-Maoist cadres killed Bablu Mahato, a worker of the ruling CPI-M in West Midnapore District.

Two firearms, 20 rounds of cartridges and explosives were recovered from the house of Rajesh Mahato, a Jharkhand party activist in Hansda in Jhargram sub-division. "Acting on specific inputs, we raided Mahato's house and recovered the arms and ammunition," said Kumar.

February 20

CPI-Maoist cadres killed one person in Sankrail in Jhargram sub-division of West Midnapore District, accusing him of being a Police informer.

A cadre of the CPI-Maoist backed PCPA was arrested from Indraboni area near Manikpara in Jhargram sub-division of the West Midnapore District.

February 23

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres triggered a landmine explosion at a panchayat office in the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District.

March 2

Five persons were arrested and nearly 425 kilograms of gelatine was recovered in Birbhum District. The Police said that they were investigating whether the explosive material was meant for the CPI-Maoist. "Acting on specific inputs, we conducted raids along Dubrajpur-Pandaveswar road in Dubrajpur area and recovered 17 packets of gelatine gel from a Bankura bound vehicle. Five persons travelling in the vehicle were arrested," said Birbhum SP Nishat Parvez. "Two were from Jamuria in Burdwan, two from Rampurhat in Birbhum and one from Bankura. We are interrogating to know the source and receivers of such a huge quantity of gelatine gel," the SP said. The consignment might be meant for the Maoists who are active in Bankura District, Police said.

March 3

Sarkar Hembram (26), a constable posted in Purulia District was abducted by suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA, from his in-laws’ home in Beliabera in West Midnapore District on March 3. According to the Police, Sarkar was in a conversation with his father-in-law Khelaram Tudu, a constable at Midnapore court, in the courtyard of his house when five armed PCPA cadres arrived on three motorcycles. "The youths had their faces covered and they took Sarkar and his father-in-law away on their motorcycles. Around 8pm, Khelaram was released. But Sarkar is yet to be released," said a Police officer.

Two suspected Maoists were arrested from Banisole village near Lalgarh in the District. The duo was identified as Meghnath Mahato and Madhusudan Mahato, wanted in several cases. "Meghnath is the brother of Maoist squad leader Badal. We are now interrogating them to know whereabouts of Badal," said a Police officer.

March 6

Two persons were arrested, for extorting money in the name of the CPI-Maoist, in Purulia District. "Two daily wage labourers- Khalil Ansari and Panchu Mahato- were arrested Sunday morning from Dikhshila village in Purulia Maffarsal Police Station area," SP Sunil Chowdhury said. Both were extorting money in the name of the Maoists. Initially people did not inform the police, fearing an attack by the Maoists, but then lodged a complaint after realising that the duo was duping them, said Chowdhury. 'Acting on the specific complaint, we rounded up them from their residences. They will be brought before a local court Monday,' said the SP.

Sarkar Hembram, a Police Constable, suspected to have been abducted by Maoist-backed PCPA cadres in West Midnapore District, remained untraced for the third day, Police said. "Search operations are being conducted in the area. We are trying our best to trace Constable, Sarkar Hembram," said SP Praveen Tripathi. Hembram was abducted on March 3, by the suspected PCPA cadres from his in-law's house in Beliabera in the District.

March 7

One CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA cadre, identified as Keshab Mahato was killed during an encounter reportedly between the PCPA cadres and the CPI-M supporters in the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District. According to the Police, the firing incident took place when around 50 PCPA cadres started hurling bombs and firing bullets at the houses of the 25 CPI-M supporters, in an attempt to prevent them from returning to their homes at Khaerboni village after they had earlier managed to escape from the area a few months back. "The sequence of events is still not very clear to us as by the time the forces reached the village, most of the people had fled. The body found at the spot was identified that of Keshab Mahato, resident of nearby Patashimul village," ASP of Jhargram Police District Mukesh Kumar said.

March 8

Nine armed cadres of the ruling CPI-M, were arrested by CRPF in Moshina village in West Midnapore District. IGP, CRPF (operations), T B Rao, said acting on a tip-off, CRPF's 50th battalion troopers raided a hideout in Moshina village three kilometres from Pirakata. "The information related to the presence of some armed miscreants hiding there with a huge stockpile of arms," Rao said. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered by the CRPF troopers.

March 10

Sashadhar Mahato alias Kiran, a top ranking cadre of the CPI-Maoist, is suspected to have been killed in an encounter with the SFs in the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District. According to the District Police, SFs raided a Maoist hideout in Chandsora village, near Kushaboni forest, after receiving a tip-off about Mahato having been camping there with a group of Maoists. "As the security personnel were trying to cordon off the hideout, the Maoists became alert and opened fire on us. The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter that lasted about an hour before the Maoists fled from the area," ASP Mukesh Kumar, told The Hindu from the encounter site. "Top-ranking Maoist leader Sashadhar Mahato has been killed in an encounter and one AK 47 rifle has been recovered from him at Binpur under Jhargram Police Station," IG, CRPF, T B Rao said. Rao said one more person has been arrested, but his identity is not yet known and that the encounter and search operation is still going on.

March 11

Two decomposed bodies recovered are suspected to be that of Partha Biswas, intelligence branch inspector, and Soumyajit Basu, teacher cum an NGO worker, who were abducted by the CPI-Maoist cadres on October 24, from a place four kilometres west of Birbhum in Ayodhya area of Purulia District, were found lying in a ditch in Dhanchatani village in Ayodhya Hill area of the District.

March 12

The West Bengal Government will ensure full security to workers deputed for election duty in CPI-Maoist-affected Districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia. The Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh told reporters in Kolkata that the full Security Force would be present. Ghosh said this in response to queries that people were refusing to go to the three Districts for fear. The elections to the three Districts, comprising 14 Assembly constituencies, will be held on May 10, the last day of the six-phase election schedule announced by the Election Commission for West Bengal.

The Police identified the arrested cadre as Biju Mahato alias Pilot, a close associate of CPI-Maoist ‘commander’ Sashadhar Mahato, killed in a gunfight on March 10. 'Biju was present alongside Sashadhar during the gunfight in Jamboni area (Thursday). He, however, escaped and took shelter in an adjacent village. He was arrested during combing operations,' ASP (operation) Mukesh Kumar said.

The GRP arrested three persons identified as Mantu Chowdhury, Manoj Jaiswal and Aravind Thakur, suspecting them to be carriers of the CPI-Maoist, from the Down Jamalpur Express reaching Howrah railway station in Kolkata District. Police recovered 50 gelatin sticks, 15 kg of ammonium nitrate and 10 detonators from their possession.

The CPI-Maoist has put up banners in West Midnapore District protesting the killing of their leader Sashadhar Mahato in an encounter with the Police in the District on March 10, the Police said. "Several banners and posters put up by the Maoists were found in Jhargram area. The banners say Mahato was killed in a ‘false encounter’ (staged shootout) with Police," said a Senior Police Official. Some of the banners carried threats against the Police Officers who were involved in the killing, he added. "We were informed about these banners and posters in some places of Jhargram. Police personnel have rushed to the spot," ASP Mukesh Kumar, said.

The CPI-Maoists have called for a 48-hour bandh in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha from March 13, to protest the killing of its ‘commander’ Sashadhar Mahato.

March 15

Two cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including a woman squad cadre were arrested in two separate raids in West Bengal. "Acting on tip-off, we conducted raids and arrested Rajesh Murmu alias Buru from Koima village in Bankura District, while Saraswati Mandi was arrested from Chirudi village in Purulia District," SP (Bankura) Pranav Kumar, said. "Both were wanted in several cases, including murder, sedition and damaging Government property," said Kumar. Rajesh hails from Barigeria near Goaltore in West Midnapore District and is believed to be a close associate of Bikash, ‘state committee member’ of the outfit and was assigned to lead the Goaltore squad after the death of Sidhu Soren, the founder secretary of Maoist-backed PCPA in an encounter, said a Police Officer. Mandi, a resident of Harambara village, was a senior squad member of Maoist leader Arjun’s squad, he said.

March 19

The body of Sarkar Hembram, a Police constable abducted by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres on March 3, from the Jhargram region was recovered by the Police from Chotajammal village, based on information divulged by Debdulal, a Maoist squad member of the notorious Gautam Rana-squad, arrested from Ghritabani village in the Binpur area of West Midnapore District on March 18. According to Mukesh Kumar, ASP in Jhargram, the Forces received information in the evening of March 18 that a Maoist squad headed by Suchitra Mahato was hiding in Amapuli village in the Binpur Police Station area for the past two days. Suchitra is the wife of Sashadhar Mahato, who was killed in a gunfight with the Security Forces on March 10. "The group comprising squad members Hitler, China and Hero under Suchitra's leadership was camping at the edge of an open field in Amapuli village, barely 4 km from Chandsora village where Sashadhar was killed. As the CoBRA troopers of Central Reserve Police Force tried to cordon off the area, the Maoist sentry got alerted and fired. The Forces retaliated but the Maoists fled soon after leaving behind three rifles, one carbine, small firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and some important documents. Raids are still on to locate the whereabouts of the Maoists," Kumar said.

March 20

A CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Rajib Mahato was arrested from Ghiratakham village near Jhargram in West Midnapore District. On interrogation of the arrested cadre, Debdulal Mahato, the Police came to know the whereabouts of Rajib and arrested him. Rajib was a close aide of slain Umakanta Mahato, who was one of the prime accused in the Gyaneshwari Express sabotage, in which 148 people were killed (May 28, 2010),' ASP, (Operations) Mukesh Kumar said. Rajib used to operate in Jhargram, Beliabera and Binpur areas of the District. He was wanted to stand trial in several murders, including that of a Police constable, The ASP said. He was involved in a shootout in Kalaboni forested area, where Umakanta was shot dead by the joint Forces on August 27, 2010.

March 21

The Union Government has dispatched 30,000 Paramilitary Force personnel to West Bengal to assist the local authorities in ensuring free, fair and peaceful Assembly elections next month. The Central Forces have already been deployed in sensitive areas including CPI-Maoist-dominated West Midnapore District. "So far, situation in West Bengal is peaceful. The Forces have been sent to ensure that the election process goes peacefully," a Home Ministry official said. The six phased election to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly begins on April 18 and will end on May 10.

March 23

A cadre of the CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA was shot dead by suspected Maoist cadres in the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District. SP, Praveen Tripathi said Sambhu Mahato was killed reportedly after a dispute over the distribution of extortion money among the Maoists and PCPA cadres.

March 24

The EC has informed the State Government, that at best 660 companies of Central Forces will be on poll duty in West Bengal. Another 560 companies will be sent to the State in addition to the 100 companies already deployed across West Bengal. During the first phase in north Bengal on April 18, 500 companies will be deployed. The EC said 361 companies of Forces will come from Assam and 200 companies from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh had sought 798 companies. Polls in Assam will be over on April 11. Forces from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be sent to north Bengal after polls are over on April 13.

Restrictions on the movement of passenger trains at night in the Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand will continue till March 31, the South Eastern Railway (SER) said. "In view of security reasons, running of passenger trains on Kharagpur-Adra, Chakradharpur-Rourkela and Kharagpur-Tata sections will continue to remain suspended up to March 31 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m," an SER release said.

March 29

Seven suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist including three women cadres were arrested by SFs in Kalsibhanga village in West Midnapore District. While four of the arrested Maoists were wanted in connection with several incidents of violence, Rita Mahato, Joshoda Mahato and her mother Pushpa Mahato were arrested for sheltering the Maoists in different areas under Salboni Police Station.

The SFs also arrested six ruling CPI-M activists on the charge of committing atrocities on tribals in the same village, Police added.

Some bombs and explosives were also recovered from the village school of Kalsibhanga.

March 31

The Joint Forces and West Midnapore Police Force personnel raided Bhumishole forest in Lalgarh in West Midnapore District and recovered a cache of arms left behind by CPI-Maoist cadres. The Maoists themselves fled the forest just when the Joint Forces personnel came raiding. The arms recovered include five pieces of landmine equipment, bombs, a gun, wires, bulletproof jackets used by Police, splinters, detonators and 20 kilograms of explosives.

West Midnapore Police raided Kalsibhanga village in Salboni in the District after being tipped off by the villagers. The farmers came upon the arms when a farmer's cattle stepped on the part of a paddy field where alleged ruling CPI-M cadres had buried those. Police had the area dug and found two single shotter guns. West Midnapore SP Manoj Verma said raids at both Salboni and Lalgarh were launched after receiving tip-offs about the presence of arms in the areas.

April 2

A teacher was shot dead by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres in West Midnapore District of West Bengal. The slain teacher, identified as Prabodh Mahato, was shot from close range when he was returning home after a bath in a nearby canal. According to Pravin Tripathi, SP of Jhargram sub-divisional municipality, Maoists and the Maoist-backed PCPA were suspected to be behind the attack.

Some CPI-Maoist posters protesting the killing of Maoist leader Sashadhar Mahato and demanding withdrawal of Joint Forces from the forest areas of three West Bengal Districts were found in many parts of Kolkata. According to the Police, the posters were found pasted on the walls of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge) Metro station. The posters claimed that Mahato was killed in a false encounter and accused SFs of attacking tribal people, said a Police Official.

April 4

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist killed a State Government employee and an activist of the ruling CPI-M near Jhargram in West Midnapore District. Mahato, a resident of Birihari village of Jhargram block, was posted at Jhargram. According to SP of Jhargram Police District, Pravin Tripathi, unidentified assailants pulled out Gagan Mahato (42) from the vehicle he was travelling on to his office in Jhargram town and fired at point-blank range. The Maoists are suspected to be behind the killing as they are trying to create an atmosphere of fear among people ahead of the Assembly elections," the SP said.

April 7

A few posters and banners of CPI-Maoist, urging the people to boycott the Assembly Elections in the State were spotted at Kanchrapara railway station in North 24-Parganas District. The Maoists urged the people to shun the "vote-hungry political parties, who survive on false promises". It requested the people to root out the ruling CPI-M from the State, branding it as Fascist. The Maoists demanded immediate withdrawal of the Operation Green Hunt from Junglemahal and other states. It criticised the Government for torturing common people in the name of counter-insurgency operations. The Maoists also demanded a commitment from the TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee on her promises of withdrawing joint operations in West Bengal and releasing Maoist political prisoners.

April 9

The Joint Forces during a combing operation arrested a cadre of the CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA identified as Sanjay Mahato (22), one of the accused in the Gyaneshwari Express derailment incident which killed 148 passengers on May 28, 2010, from Jaljali village under Jhargram Police Station of West Midnapore District. Jhargram ASP Mukesh Kumar said Sanjay was picked up from house at Barobigha village in Manikpara Phari during a combing operation. The CBI had announced a reward of INR 50,000 for information on his whereabouts. "We have informed the CBI about Sanjay's arrest," Kumar said.

April 11

A CPI-Maoist squad member, identified as Kalu Mahato was arrested from Niharia village near Jhargram in West Midnapore District. "Kalu Mahato was wanted for several murders and landmine explosions at Kharbandi and Murakhati areas of Jhargram. He will be produced before the Jhargram court on Tuesday [April 12]," said Jhargram SP Pravin Tripathi. Acting on a tip-off, the CRPF Battalion No. 184 raided Niharia forests and arrested Mahato. Mahato, according to Police, is the member of Maoist leader Goutam's squad. Police recovered one pipe gun, three rounds of 8mm and 20 rounds of 12-bore cartridges, five detonators and one challenger from him.

April 18

The Police recovered two decomposed bodies, suspected to be killed by the CPI-Maoist cadres in the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District, four months ago. The bodies were recovered on the basis of information received from a Maoist squad member, who was arrested on April 14, according to the District Police. "The decomposed bodies of two unidentified persons were recovered from Bhandarbilla village after the arrested Maoist, Parameshwar Roy, revealed during interrogation that two persons were killed and buried at the spot by the Goutam Rana squad around four months ago," Mukesh Kumar, ASP of Jhargram Police District, said. Kumar pointed out that several persons in the region were missing for months and a majority of such cases remained unreported by the victims' family members fearing Maoist reprisal. "We need to go through all the missing complaints to establish the identity of the two bodies," he added.

April 26

The West Bengal Police arrested a top cadre of the CPI-Maoist identified as Gautam Rana, an 'area commander' of the Maoist squad, near Lodhasuli under Jhargram Police Station in West Midnapore District.

May 1

A decomposed body of a person, reportedly killed by the CPI-Maoist cadres, was recovered from a forested area in Jhargram in West Midnapore District.

May 19

CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA wants to resume the dialogue process with the State Government. Manoj Mahato, former PCPA secretary said he trusts Mamata Banerjee, the new Chief Minister of the State and wants to resume the dialogue process.

Restrictions on the movement of passenger trains at night in the CPI-Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand will continue till May 26, the SER said in Kolkata. 'In view of security reasons, running of passenger trains on Kharagpur-Adra, Chakradharpur-Rourkela and Kharagpur-Tata sections will continue to remain suspended up to May 26 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m,' an SER release said.

May 22

A fresh investigation was ordered into the attack on a camp of the EFR at Silda in West Midnapore District in February 2010, in which 24 troopers were killed after the latest recoveries of illegal arms from Purulia village in the same District, State Police officials said. "The arsenal number on an INSAS rifle that has been recovered today matches with that of one of the rifles looted in the Silda camp attack. So far we had been suspecting that Maoists were involved in the Silda attack, but now it seems that members of the CPI-M may have been involved," State DGP Naparajit Mukherjee told journalists. The INSAS rifle was recovered in a police raid carried out at Purulia village in West Midnapore. Police sources said that it was recovered from a field about 1.5 kilometres away from the local CPI-M office. "In the raid conducted in Purulia village, 35 weapons and 147 rounds of ammunition were recovered," District SP Manoj Verma said, adding that an AK-56 was among the firearms recovered.

May 22

Maoist sources suspect that the INSAS rifle snatched from the Silda camp last year and found near a CPI-M office in West Midnapore's Enayatpur was taken away from a Maoist killed in an encounter with the CPI-M.

May 23

The Union Government said that the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government has its task cut out to take action against "armed camps'' existing in the State and reinstate law and order in such areas. Union home minister P. Chidambaram said that some arms have been recovered from "local CPI-M offices'', including the house of a known CPI-M supporter. Chidambaram said since May 14, a day after the results of West Bengal Assembly polls, the Police have conducted about 100 raids and recovered 1,109 firearms and 11,088 rounds of ammunition from West Midnapore District. He said over 140 people have been arrested. While some arms have been recovered from CPI-M offices, some have been shown "unclaimed".

May 28

The CPI-Maoist said that they would consider a proposal for talks with the Mamata Banerjee Government if the Chief Minister spelled out her stand on Junglemahal. "Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Banerjee said she was ready to hold talks to sort out problems in Junglemahal, but she did not speak about specific plans," West Bengal State Committee members of the Maoists Bikram and Bikas said in a faxed statement in Kolkata. "If she creates a favourable situation, we are ready to consider the proposal for joining talks," they said. The statement said, "If she comes out with a definite plan on these issues we will consider a proposal for talks with the government."

May 29

The West Bengal Government will fill up 63,000 sanctioned vacant posts in the State Police, a senior minister said. "The strength of the Police in the State is 26,000, but there are 89,000 sanctioned posts. The Government will fill up these posts and modernise the force," Industry and IT Minister Partha Chatterjee said.

June 5

Police recovered the body of an unidentified person near Kushaboni forest in West Midnapore District. A CPI-Maoist poster saying the killing was in retaliation to the killing of Sashadhar Mahato was found along with the body. It also read that they will not spare anyone involved in the killing of Mahato, be it the Police, SF personnel or informers. The Maoists claimed the murdered person was a Police agent and hence he was punished for being an informer.

June 14

A hub of the CRPF's CoBRA and a training centre are being set up at Salboni in West Midnapore District. The hub will be spread over 143 acres, Alok Raj, IG, Operations, CRPF, said. "The land has been finalised and work has begun", said Alok Raj.

June 20

Senior officials in the Security establishment of the State feel there has been an ostensible "slow down'' of the Security Forces' offensive against CPI-Maoist in the State under the new Chief Minister. However, another official overlooking the anti-Maoist operations attributed it to the changed tactics of the Maoists, who are refraining from attacking the Central and State Police forces. A senior official of the CRPF confessed that the intelligence inputs provided by the State Police have come down after the formation of the new Government.

June 22

The CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA cadres are allegedly pushing workers of Trinamool Congress, the ruling party, to quit the party in a bid to create pressure on the Mamata Banerjee-led Government, Trinamool sources said. The PCPA wants the Government to expedite the release of political prisoners and push for withdrawal of central forces from Junglemahal, promises that Mamata had made in the run-up to the Assembly elections. Local Trinamool activists, who requested anonymity, said they had been threatened in at least 20 villages of Jhargram, Salboni, Sankrail and Kotwali areas of West Midnapore in the past three weeks. "Maoist armed squad leader Badal Mahato travels with his guerrillas at night and holds meetings. He tells villagers about Mamata Banerjee's promises. He says if the promises are not kept, they will wipe out Trinamool from Junglemahal," a Trinamool activist said. A Dherua-based Trinamool leader said that on June 2, a local PCPA leader had visited him at night and asked him to quit Trinamool and join the PCPA. The PCPA leader is known to have Maoist links.

PCPA leader Manoj Mahato, however, denied that Trinamool workers were being threatened. He said villagers in Junglemahal were demanding that Trinamool deliver on its promises.

District Trinamool Chairperson Mrigen Maity said: "We have received reports from our workers in Jhargram, Salboni, Sankrail and Kotwali areas that they are being threatened by Maoists and the PCPA. We will soon submit a report to the state Trinamool leadership."

June 23

Two landmines suspected to be planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres were found in the Simulpal area under Belpahari Police Station of West Midnapore District. The explosives were later defused.

July 1

CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA leader Manoj Mahto, who was released on bail just prior to the West Bengal Assembly elections in May, was arrested from his home at Birkar village under the Lalgarh Police Station in West Midnapore District on the charge of abduction of Jiten Mahato, a CPI-M leader.

July 2

The day-long bandh call given in the three Junglemahal Districts of West Bengal to protest the arrest of CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA leader Manoj Mahato evoked partial response. While parts of the West Midnapore and Bankura Districts witnessed partial closedown due to the bandh, there was hardly any response in Purulia District. The bandh was called by the Durnity O Samrajyobadi Agrason Birodhi Ganatantrik Mancha (Democratic Platform against Corruption and Imperialistic Invasion) - an outfit floated by members of the PCPA, just before the State Assembly elections after they announced the 'dissolution' of the PCPA.

July 3

The joint SF operating in the CPI-Maoist-affected West Midnapore District recovered a cache of arms belonging to the Maoists in an operation. "Acting on a tip-off, a joint-team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the State Police conducted a raid in the forest area near Auspal village. Four firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two landmines and several explosive devices were recovered from the spot," Mukesh Kumar, ASP (Jhargram) said. However, no Maoist was arrested during the raid.

July 8

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gave a call to the CPI-Maoist to lay down arms, saying her Government was 'always ready' for talks.

Five companies of central forces have been withdrawn from Junglemahal and sent to Andhra Pradesh to control the Telangana agitation. At present, there are 35 companies of central forces in Junglemahal.

Mamata Banerjee said that her Government will release 46 prisoners who were arrested in connection with different cases of political violence in the state during the past few years.

July 9

A day after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee invited CPI-Maoist to talk, Maoists said that CM Banerjee would first have to create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue.

July 12

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee asked youths of Junglemahal area to lay down arms and return to the mainstream.

July 13

The CPI-Maoist have rejected CM Mamata Banerjee's dialogue offer to barter development with the surrender of arms.

July 14

The CPI-Maoist cadres in West Midnapore District have set one condition for not attacking supporters of the CPI-M provided they should not work as Police Informers. Akash, the secretary of the CPI-Maoist Bengal State Committee, said: "We have decided to spare the lives of the CPM supporters. They will not be harmed if they don't work as police informers."

July 15

The CPI-Maoist named Sudip Chongdar alias Kanchan, Himadri Sen Roy alias Somen and Patit Paban Halder, its three former state secretaries now behind bars in West Bengal, to represent them in case the State plans to go ahead with its proposed dialogue with the Maoists.

One villager was killed and SI Rajat Choudhary was injured, in an encounter between the Police and the CPI-Maoist cadres in Purulia District.

July 17

A CPI-Maoist leader identified as Biren Mahato was arrested from a village near Jhargram area in West Midnapore District.

July 21

The West Bengal Government decided to create 6,900 posts in the State Home department, including 668 in Naxal-hit Jhargram Police District, and infrastructure for three CBI courts.

July 22

CM Mamata Banerjee in order to set for talks with the CPI-Maoist announced the release of two top Maoist leaders, identified as Chandi Sarkar and Pradip Chatterjee.

July 25

As the West Bengal Government plans the release of 52 political prisoners, including two top leaders of the CPI-Maoist state committee, the Centre has warned the State that Maoists continue to regroup and train cadre in Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts) area. The list of 52 prisoners considered for release from the state's jails include top Maoists Chandi Sarkar and Pradip Chatterjee, arrested in 2005 and 2008, respectively, besides leaders of local separatist outfits from Kamtapur and Cooch Behar.

July 26

The CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA and other Maoist-backed organisations held rallies in Jhargram and Kolkata where some of the activists burnt CM Mamata Banerjee's effigies. They accused her of betrayal over her Government's failure to release the PCPA leaders and withdraw joint forces from Jungle Mahal.

In Kolkata, the Maoist sympathisers clashed with Police who tried to prevent them from erecting a "column" for the martyrs of the Singur-Nandigram and Jungle Mahal movements at College Square. They demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners. 12 members of United Student Democratic Front (USDF), a Maoist sympathiser group, were arrested in the protests that saw the chief minister's effigy being burnt and a stretch of College Street blocked briefly.

In Jhargram, Belpahari and other areas of West Midnapore, rallies were held for the "martyrs" by the Forum Against Terror, Corruption and Imperialism, an umbrella organisation of the PCPA, Jhargram Students Federation, Nari Ijjat Bachao Committee (committee for protection of women dignity) and others. The list of the "martyrs" included top PCPA leaders Lalmohan Tudu, Sidhu Soren and Umakanta Mahato, killed in encounters with the joint forces. Incidentally, the day was the first death anniversary of Soren, a Maoist 'commander' shot dead in 2010 in Goaltore forest area.

Police decided to intensify the process of collecting "actionable intelligence" and regularly update local Police Stations in Jungle Mahal with inputs from adjoining Jharkhand to avert attempts by Maoists to disrupt peace ahead of Independence Day (August 15) celebrations. Director General of Police Naparajit Mukherjee discussed recent intelligence inputs about Maoist leader Kishan and his reported plans of rebuilding the rebel force with the help of former CPI-M leaders.

July 27

The elite anti-Maoist force CoBRA, raised by the Centre, has been withdrawn from West Bengal, apparently in the wake of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's push for peace talks with the Maoists. Nearly 400 CoBRA personnel who operated in the State have been sent to Jharkhand. Only a handful of CoBRA personnel have been retained in West Midnapore District.

The Maoists sent a "letter" agreeing to talks, provided some conditions are met. Earlier this week, the Maoist State leadership had wanted to meet the Government's interlocutors to know Mamata Banerjee's "mind" before articulating their position on the chief minister's talks offer. The "letter" is believed to have followed such an interaction, which could not be independently confirmed from Maoist sources. It couldn't also be ascertained if the overture was a collective decision of the Maoist state leadership. The Government sources said some of the conditions were release of senior Maoists lodged in Bengal jails and leaders of the Maoist-backed PCPA, including Chhatradhar Mahato. The Maoists have also stuck to their earlier demand of withdrawal of "90-95 per cent of joint forces" in Jungle Mahal.

Following former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's refusal to accept security cover, the MHA warned the State Government that it must take up the matter with him as his life was under threat from Maoists.

July 28

Several primary school teachers in West Midnapore's Jungle Mahal area have sought transfer in the face of Maoists' "threats and extortion".

July 29

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave the "go-ahead" for talks with the CPI-Maoist after receiving a "positive response" from the Maoist leadership to the Government's peace initiative in Jungle Mahal. "The biggest stake-holders in the peace process have responded positively along with the others concerned. We have conveyed their demands to the government and the chief minister has given the go-ahead to continue our efforts to facilitate talks between the government and the stake-holders,'' civil rights activist Sujato Bhadra, who heads the panel of interlocutors, said after a meeting with Mamata at Writers' Building (State Secretariat). "However, several rounds of meetings will be needed to end the atmosphere of mistrust that has been created since 2009,'' he added.

Six of the 18 teams of the elite CoBRA force, engaged in operations against Naxals in the Junglemahal area, have been moved to neighbouring Jharkhand. Earlier, it was reported that nearly 400 personnel were withdrawn.

July 30

Asking the Maoists to "come back to mainstream", Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said they should state whether they would like talks at the Political or administrative level for which a venue could be fixed. She said that an empowered committee was negotiating with Maoists in Jungle Mahal. She added, "My government's priority is to resolve the issue through negotiations." "Their (Maoists) movement is ideological. They don't believe in democracy. But we do. I don't mind the ideological conflict. But I mind atrocities on the common people. This should stop," Banerjee further added.

August 1

The Centre cautioned the West Bengal Government against releasing two CPI-Maoist leaders - Chandi Sarkar and Pradeep Chatterjee - arrested in 2005 and 2008, respectively. In a letter sent to the State Government last week, the MHA suggested that the Trinamool Congress regime consult its agencies on the other political prisoners being considered for release.

August 3

Top CPI-Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao alias Kishan has again become active in Jungle Mahal area (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts), according to intelligence reports. "Kishenji was present in more than one meeting held in Lalgarh and adjacent areas in West Midnapore district in the last half of June, in all probability on June 22 and 23," the reports said.

The CPI-Maoist held a meeting in Balarampur in Purulia District and urged the people to rail against the State Government for its failure to eradicate poverty in the three Districts of Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura).

August 4

A senior CPI-Maoist leader in West Bengal has said for the first time that the Maoists are ready to be part of any Government-appointed committee that would oversee development work in Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts). "We want the new government to form a committee to oversee development work in Jungle Mahal. We are ready to put our representatives in that committee," said a statement by Akash, the chief of the CPI-Maoist's Bengal chapter.

August 10

The TMC party is reportedly raising armed squads in interior parts of Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia Districts of West Bengal) to counter attacks and extortion demands of the CPI-Maoist. Repeated incidents of Maoists threatening local TMC MLAs, including Churamoni Mahato and Srikanta Mahato, as well as attacks on state Western Region Development Minister Sukumar Hansda, have forced the TMC leaders to raise the squads. The armed squad raised by TMC leaders of Jamboni and Belpahari area in West Midnapore is locally known as 'Vairav Vahini'. Reportedly, the TMC has roped in PCPA cadres as well as Sidhu Kanho Gana Militia cadres who joined the TMC before the elections. The cadres are trained in handling arms and they have started training local villagers. Armed forces are being raised at Chandri and Baghjhapa in Jhargram, and Balidiha in Jamboni. Sisir Adkhikari, Union minister and senior TMC leader in charge of Jungle Mahal, said: "Maoists-backed PCAPA and militia members have been attacking our party workers everyday and extorting money. They have forcibly stopped political activities. We are trying to revive our booth-level and block-level committees to resist these attacks," he said, not specifying if they are armed.

August 11

CPI-Maoist cadres ambushed a CRPF patrol party and injured three troopers at Lakshmanpur forest in West Midnapore District, which is the first incident since the Mamata Banerjee Government came to power in West Bengal and expressed its willingness for talks to resolve problems. Police claimed that four to five Maoists were also injured when the CRPF personnel returned the fire and were believed to have been taken away by the Maoists. The incident is being seen as a major setback for the normalisation process with the new Government having already taken peace initiative despite reservations from Union Home Ministry and set up State Level Review Committee on political prisoners and agreed to release 52 of them.

August 12

Renewing her appeal to the CPI-Maoist cadres to give up arms and return to the national mainstream, CM, Mamata Banerjee announced a fresh financial and rehabilitation package for those who surrender in Calcutta. The package includes a revised incentive for every weapon laid down, a monthly stipend of INR 2, 000 for three years, a fixed deposit of INR 150,000 which can be withdrawn from the bank only after three years and State assistance for future employment which could include jobs provided by the Government. The CM said necessary instructions had been issued by her administration for the release of 50 of the 52 political detainees announced earlier.

August 16

CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA demanded a probe into the deaths of its leaders in alleged fake encounters during the Left Government's reign, the call apparently prompted by CPI-M leader Sushanta Ghosh's arrest.

The Bengal Maoists seem to be a divided lot. While a section of its leaders have advocated a go-slow policy in dealing with the new Mamata Banerjee Government the other section wants to step up agitation before the Trinamool Congress strikes its roots in Jungle Mahal. While leaders like 'State secretary' Akash and Vikash have welcomed Banerjee's decision to hold dialogue with the Maoist leadership, their jailed leaders like Telugu Dipak have called for an intensified stir if the new Government failed to keep its promise to release their jailed comrades.

August 18

CPI-Maoist cadres lodged in different jails in West Bengal are unlikely to be freed before the meeting of Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on August 27. Mamata had announced that she intended to release 52 political prisoners including two Maoist cadres, but the Union Home Ministry had raised objections about their release.

Suspected Maoist cadres injured seven persons, including two TMC cadres and five of their family members, at Bordanga village in Nayagram area of West Midnapore District. At least 15-20 Maoist cadres went to the homes of Trinamool activists Bhabani Bhaduk and Timir Dandapath, assaulted them and their family members, and opened fire.

The Police arrested Rajani Barik, a local CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA leader, when local TMC leader Ujjal Dutta accused the PCPA being behind the attack.

SFs seized four landmines in West Midnapore District after locals informed them about it. The personnel of the CRPF seized them and later a bomb disposal squad was called to defuse the explosives. The explosives were hidden near a bush along with utensils.

August 22

CPI-Maoist cadres killed Tapan Deswali, a supporter of the CPI-M from Tungbhedua village in Bhulabheda area of West Midnapore District. Maoist posters claiming that he was a Police informer were also found, Mukesh Kumar, ASP of Jhargram, said.

August 24

CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA observed a day-long bandh in the three districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia in protest against the ruling party's alleged violence against people in the region, the recent police raid at PCPA's former convener Chhatradhar Mahato's house and to demand immediate release of all political prisoners. Incidentally, the bandh came the very day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tabled her government's report card for the first 90 days where she claimed to have been able to bring peace in the three Jungle Mahal Districts through special packages for the development of the region.

About 10 CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead Rabindranath Mishra, an activist of the ruling TMC party at Dhangri under Jhargram Police Station area in West Midnapore District. The Maoists had called for a 24-hour bandh in Jungle Mahal area, alleging that the Janajagaran Manch was functioning as a Government agency and had been engaged in thwarting the democratic rights of the tribals.

A group of Maoist cadres lodged in Krishnagar jail in Nadia District went on hunger strike demanding repeal of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, release of political prisoners, and withdrawal of central forces from Jungle Mahal and quick disposal of cases.

August 25

The Jhargram Police arrested a suspected Maoist, Sushen Routh, from Chandabila area under Nayagram Police Station in West Midnapore District.

Expressing concern over Maoists again assembling in certain areas of West Bengal, intimidating people and even resorting to violence, which recently claimed the lives of two persons in West Midnapore District, CM Mamata Banerjee said that she still believed good sense would prevail on them. "They can talk, discuss, negotiate, but murder is a criminal offence," she said even as she welcomed those among them who wanted to return to the national mainstream. "No one has the right to murder," she emphasised.

The Chief Minister announced that her Government would provide a compensation of INR 200,000 to each of the families of the civilians whose kin were killed in Maoist attacks to be supplemented with the INR 300,000 financial assistance available from the Centre. "Besides this package for civilian families, we are also considering providing either a government job to a member or a monthly pension," Banerjee said.

Her Government was working towards solving the problem of LWE through development and pursuing the peace process, Banerjee said, adding, "I do not believe in the politics of killing."

August 26

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gave the go-ahead for talks with the CPI-Maoist, to the group of interlocutors whom she had appointed for holding discussion. Bringing the "main stakeholders to the discussion-table with the government, is the main objective" civil rights activist Sujato Bhadra, who leads the group of interlocutors, said.

August 29

The West Bengal State Committee of the CPI-Maoist has written an open letter to Surya Kanta Mishra, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, that suggests the outfit's involvement in the "downfall" of the Left Front "from Nandigram to Jangalmahal" and criticises the Left Front for its opposition to the Maoists.

The Kolkata city Police launched a fresh investigation into the recovery of 5000 rounds of .315-bore ammunition at APC Road in June 28, 2010, where the trail led to Chandrakona and Ghatal.

August 30

One contractor came forward to submit tender papers for constructing a hostel and additional class rooms in Jungle Mahal area (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts), which was the first major development initiative by the new Government in the area.

September 1

Angry villagers set two motorbikes of the CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA cadres on fire and vandalized a Tata Sumo before pushing it into a pond when the PCPA cadres went to Dhanguri village under Sankrail Police Station in West Midnapore District to bring in villagers to a rally at Ramakrishna Vidyalaya ground in Lalgarh and beat people who refused to attend the rally.

Some TMC party supporters have been accused of attacking a bus driver and vandalising the vehicle that was on its way to ferry people to the Lalgarh rally organised by Maoist sympathisers.

September 2

Unable to give more weightage to scheduled tribes while recruiting Police constables from Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts), the Government has decided to recruit more number of Home Guards and National Volunteer Force instead.

September 3

Three suspected CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested from the Jhargram region of West Midnapore District.

The CPI-Maoist made a precondition before they agree to any peace dialogue with the West Bengal Government - disarm vigilante groups in the Junglemahal area comprising the three Districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.

September 12

The Police arrested a Maoist-backed PCPA leader, accused in a case of abduction of two Police constables from the Lalgarh region in 2009, from Patharpara in West Midnapore District. The constables remain untraced till date.

A Maoist, identified as Lakhikant Mahato, was surrounded and handed over to the Police by the villagers in Madhuban area in Jhargram subdivision in the District while he was threatening locals with dire consequences.

September 13

The CPI-Maoist cadres assaulted 30-40 villagers in Mahatobandh village in Belpahari in West Midnapore District after they refused to join the Maoist squad. One of the villagers of was seriously injured in the incident. After the Police reached the spot, the Maoists fled away to the neighbouring Jharkhand, ASP Alok Rajoria said.

The CPI-Maoist appears to have made a climb down from their stand of getting political prisoners freed as a condition for talks with the Mamata Banerjee Government. Bandimukti Committee convener Chhoton Das, who is also one of the interlocutors appointed by the Chief Minister to mediate with the Maoists in Jungle Mahal, said in Kolkata that the Maoists are now insisting on two conditions: the operations by the joint forces must stop and the private armed groups which have mushroomed in Junglemahal in recent months must be disarmed.

"Maoists know that if talk's progress, the release of prisoners would follow automatically," Das said. Earlier, however, the Maoists had demanded release of prisoners before the talks begin. About 10 members of CPI-Maoist are behind the bars across the State, said Das. Sixty-six tribals are also languishing in different jails for alleged Maoist links - 36 of them in Midnapore jail, 21 in Bankura and nine in Purulia.

September 16

Some top cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including State-level leader Akash, held a meeting at Salboni in West Midnapore District where in the Maoists leaders warned the villagers that if they accept the jobs of Special Police or home guards, they will be trapped by the Government. Earlier the Maoist cadres pasted posters in Belpahari and other parts of Jangal Mahal warning villagers regarding applying for Special Police and National Volunteers Force posts.

September 19

SFs got engaged in a gunfight with suspected CPI-Maoist cadres in the dense forests at Ayodhya Hills in Purulia District.

Normal life was affected by the 24-hour bandh called by Maoist-backed PCPA in Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia) area.

CM Mamata Banerjee is trying hard to initiate a dialogue with Maoists and for that attempts are on to rope in more interlocutors.

September 20

CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead a local TMC leader in the Jhargram area of West Midnapore District.

People's Literary Cultural United Forum said they will send a fact-finding team to Jungle Mahal and hold a public meeting in Jhargram the day next.

Maoist sympathiser Vara Vara Rao accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of retracting from her poll promises and said her party was raising another Salwa Judum.

The Maoists have embarked on a civic action programme in Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura, running makeshift dispensaries and schools.

September 23

CPI-Maoist cadres recapturing their lost ground in Jungle Mahal area (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts), senior PWD officials at Writers' Building are apprehending trouble in implementing projects that are a part of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Jungle Mahal package.

September 24

After back-to-back killings of two TMC leaders by CPI-Maoist cadres in Jungle Mahal area, party general-secretary Mukul Roy and Tamluk MP Subhendu Adhikari are going to lead a 6-Kilometer rally in Jhargram to protest the killing spree and demand that the Maoists re-join the often-protracted negotiations with the Government-appointed interlocutors.

September 25

The founder secretary of Jharkhand Janamukti Morcha, Babu Bose, was shot dead at Binpur in West Midnapore District.

Five suspected Maoists - Kailash Modok, Kinkor Modok, Gautam Modok, Jagat Mondal and Dipak Mandal - were arrested by Arsa Police from Raheredi village in Purulia District. Purulia SP Sunil Chaudhury said the five were arrested for making threatening phone calls.

Mamata Banerjee claimed that the Maoists wanted to kill her and union minister Mukul Roy, besides other TMC leaders.

September 25

Governor M K Narayanan said the Maoists had not responded to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's offer for talks. "The Chief Minister has given them an offer for talks but they have not responded," the Governor told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Kolkata.

September 26

The Joint Forces and the Police arrested a leader of CPI-Maoist-backed PCPA from Cherabani under Binpur Police Stations in West Midnapore District. Police sources said the arrested PCPA leader, Dilip Mahato, had links with the Maoists.

CM Mamata Banerjee sent out a stern warning to Maoists saying they can't remain janus-faced and continue their killing spree while complaining about the state's human rights violations and Police excesses. "The initiative for talks can't go together with killings. You (Maoist) have to decide the future course. Who has given you the right to kill? Those who complain against police excesses as violation of human rights should clarify whether their ghastly killings conform to human rights," said Banerjee, whose rise to power started with the campaign against the land acquisition in Singur, a cause Maoists also backed.

The State cabinet decided to set up 20 centres that will train the tribal youths of Maoist-affected Jungle Mahal region (West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts) who will be recruited as special Police constables.

September 28

A day after asking the CPI-Maoist to choose between talks and killing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called a meeting on September 29 with interlocutors whom she authorised to explore avenues for dialogue with the Maoists in Jungle Mahal. State secretariat sources said the meeting would be held at the State secretariat to review the situation arising out of a spurt in Maoist violence in the three Districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia comprising Jungle Mahal.

October 1

The CPI-Maoist rejected CM Mamata Banerjee's peace talks offer and demanded immediate withdrawal of Joint Forces from the State. "We are serious about peace talks and ready for a ceasefire. We had given specific proposals to the two interlocutors on our first meeting. But the Government has to stop anti-Maoist operations by the joint forces and show willingness for peace," CPI-Maoist leader Akash said in an open letter to CM Banerjee. He accused Trinamool Congress of resorting to violence and extortion in the Jungle Mahal area. Akash said although the State Government claims that the Joint Forces operations are on hold, the Paramilitary is still carrying on the operation of hunting down Maoists in a clandestine manner. "If the Government is really keen on peace talks and want to create a congenial atmosphere, it will also have to neutralise private gangs like Janajagaran Mancha and Bhairav Bahini," the letter, a copy of which was made available to the media, said.

October 2

Two landmines, believed to be embedded with sensors, were defused at Saroa village in Salboni area of West Midnapore District. Local villagers said while one was spotted on a culvert, the other was lying barely 300 meters away from it. Police said the joint operation is already under way and such a tactic by the CPI-Maoist to cause collateral damage can't be ruled out in the near future too. The place where the mines were placed is an important transit point for the forces and is frequented by villagers. Police later launched a search operation and recovered 10 sacks full of sulphur and sodium nitrate from Kendudanga village under Sankrail Police Station.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres abducted the son of a TMC leader in the Banspahari area of West Midnapore District. However, the youth was later found by CRPF personnel from a nearby forest on October 3.

The Union Home Ministry has asked the West Bengal Government to relieve more than 1,000 CAPF personnel in an apparent message that the authorities were not making proper use of them for anti-Naxal operations.

October 4

The CPI-Maoist said that they would restrain use of arms for one month if the Government suspended joint operation in Jungle Mahal to create a congenial atmosphere for talks.

The West Bengal Government said that it would await a formal communication from Maoists before responding to the one-month ceasefire offer made in a joint statement by its leader Akash and interlocutors Sujato Bhadra and Chhoton Das.

Mamata Banerjee is reportedly unhappy with the Maoists for having gone public with a statement offering ceasefire without informing the Government about it but she is willing to hear out their case.

October 8

The interlocutors appointed by the West Bengal Government seem convinced that the CPI-Maoist is serious about pursuing ways to bring peace to the region.

Three of the six teams of the CoBRA which were sent to Jharkhand in July, will be returning to the State shortly. Soon after their return, they will be deployed in Jungle Mahal area.

SFs arrested Bhagwat Hansda, central committee member of the Maoist-backed PCPA in a combing operation in Binpur on October 8. Two CRPF battalions were scheduled to be withdrawn this month. But it was stalled following a request by the State.

October 10

"We are engaged in full-scale operations against Maoists in Jangalmahal," said a senior Police officer at Writers' Building, the state secretariat, on condition of anonymity.

October 12

The CPI-Maoist slammed the State Government's move to recruit 10,000 Police constables from Jungle Mahal and termed it as a "conspiracy hatched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee".

October 14

In a statement purportedly issued by the State CPI-Maoist leadership, the seriousness of the West Bengal Government over holding peace talks with the outfit has been questioned.

October 15

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gave CPI-Maoist a seven-day deadline to lay down arms, saying violence would not be tolerated any more. "I am giving you (Maoists) a seven-day ultimatum to lay down guns. Think over it. We will not tolerate any more violence.

The West Bengal Government has sought additional two battalions of CAPF from the Union Home Ministry, indicating that it was getting ready to launch full-fledged operations against the CPI-Maoist. Official sources said the request came on the eve of CM Mamata Banerjee giving a seven-day deadline to the Maoists to lay down arms, saying violence would not be tolerated any more.

October 16

A day after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's seven-day ultimatum to the CPI-Maoist to choose between guns and negotiation, Maoist posters were seen in Jungle Mahal threatening the TMC leaders of dire consequence if their pre-poll promise of withdrawing joint SFs and releasing jailed extremists was not kept.

October 18

Within 48 hours of CM Mamata Banerjee's seven-day ultimatum to the CPI-Maoist to lay down arms and come to the negotiating table, joint Police Forces and Maoist squads exchanged fire at the Banksole forest in West Midnapore District. It was an "intelligence based operation". The police seized a .303 rifle, 10 live cartridges, three empty cases, a detonator and Maoist literature and transistors, said Gaurav Sharma, SP, Jhargram.

When asked if there was any mandate from the government to launch such an operation when the Chief Minister had given a seven-day ultimatum to the Maoists, Alok Rajoria, Additional SP (Operations), Jhargram said: "If there is an armed movement, we have to operate." Vivek Sahai, IG, CRPF said, "We have no order to restrict our operations. The operations are on."

The confrontation came on a day the CM talked to Government-appointed interlocutors at Writers' Buildings to discuss the peace process with the Maoists. In Kolkata, chief interlocutor Sujato Bhadra said after the discussions with Mamata Banerjee that "the dialogue process is on and will continue". According to sources, during the closed-door meeting, the CM is said to have asked the interlocutors to get a written statement from a Maoist central committee member that during the peace process, there will be no killing in Jungle Mahal and display of armed action.

CM Banerjee held a meeting with Maoist interlocutors and asked them to convince the Maoists to give a written undertaking saying that they (Maoists) will surrender arms and stop killing innocent people in Jangalmahal. But the Maoists on October 19 made it clear that they have no confidence on the chief minister's initiative to hold talks with them to bring back peace and normalcy in the region. Maoist state secretary Aakash said the bandh "has been called to give a befitting reply to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's refusal to address the issues we have raised for development of Jangalmahal."

The Centre has extended its support to West Bengal Government, when needed, to deal with Maoist menace. "The Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) is competent enough to handle the situation and as and when she requires support, we will extend that," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

October 19 The CPI-Maoist called for a 24-hour bandh in Junglemahal area on October 22, the day the deadline given by CM Mamata Banerjee to the Maoists ends. The bandh will be held in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura Districts, adds Zee News. "Make the bandh in Junglemahal on Saturday a success against the injustice meted out to the people of the area," Maoist state committee secretary Akash, said in an open letter. Akash, also the Maoist spokesman, alleged the State Government was "unleashing terror" in the name of peace in Junglemahal.
October 20

SFs recovered 37 brand new gelatin sticks in Gurishole forest at Kanta Pahari, while patrolling in West Midnapore District. "Around 5 am today [October 20], the security forces, with the help of sniffer dogs, found the gelatine sticks under a heap of dried eucalyptus leaves," a CRPF officer said.

A suspected CPI-Maoist cadre was arrested from near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence in South Kolkata. The alleged Maoist, identified as Prakash Acharya is a resident of Lodha Suli in West Midnapore District. He has five murder and three landmine cases against him. However, Acharya claimed that he had gone to Chief Minister's residence to surrender. The Police sources said that he was being interrogated by the Kolkata Police and STF.

October 22

Security personnel recovered a landmine hidden in a container in Jhargram area in West Midnapore District.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's seven-day deadline to the CPI-Maoist to disarm expires. Bengal Labour Minister Purnendu Bose, assisting the CM on tackling the Maoist menace, told TOI, "If the ultras (Maoists) deny people their right to life, the government won't sit quietly. We still want a dialogue with them. But, joint operations will be conducted when required." Meanwhile, security has been heightened across Junglemahal areas. Six CRPF battalions, one each of CoBRA and Nagaland Police battalions are deployed in Junglemahal areas.

The State Government asserted that it was still open to talks with the rebels. "In a democracy, there must be some options open. We can discuss, we can negotiate…If they [the Maoists] listen, it is good," said Banerjee in New Delhi while referring to the left-wing extremists as "brothers and sisters." The Chief Minister's remarks come at a time when there are distinct signs of the joint Security Forces preparing for a fresh and sustained offensive against the rebels in the Jangalmahal region after a lull in operations since the Trinamool Congress-led Government assumed power on May 20, 2011.

Schools and colleges stayed open and markets were crowded in most parts of Jungle Mahal despite a Maoist bandh call, with senior officials describing the people's defiance of the rebels as unprecedented. In a double blow to the guerrillas, hundreds of youths from the Maoist zones of Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore queued before Police Stations to collect job application forms, answering a recruitment call by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It prompted a Senior Police officer to wonder if "change" was in the air. "It may be too early to say," He added cautiously, "but what we are witnessing today is very promising."

October 23

Two Maoists allegedly involved in putting up posters against Western Region Development Minister Susanta Hansda, were arrested from their homes at Grithokham village in the District. The two arrestees identified as Khokan Mahato alias Debang and Biswajit Mahato were also accused in cases of murder, attempt to murder, putting up road blocks and setting ablaze houses. In another incident at Goaltore, several hand written posters of the Maoists were found by the joint forces demanding release of Maoist prisoners, withdrawal of joint forces and resignation of TMC MLA and leaders from Jungle Mahal area, the Police said. According to the posters, the Maoists highlighted that pre-poll promises were not kept by the State Government. Setting two specific demands, the Maoists called for the removal of Joint Forces and also demanded the list of 52 political prisoners to be released, which Mamata Banerjee had announced a few months ago. The Police have removed the posters and patrolling by joint forces has been intensified in the area.

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said a special package for the Maoist-hit areas of West Midnapore had been finalised. "The chief minister has requested that such funding be extended to two more Jungle Mahal areas (Purulia and Bankura). I will speak to the Union Home Minister (P. Chidambaram) about this," he said in Calcutta.

October 24

The team of interlocutors appointed by the West Bengal Government to explore the possibility of peace talks with the CPI-Maoist submitted a note summarizing the discussions the interlocutors had with both the sides since it was formed in July. The note was sent to the Government and the State leadership of the CPI-Maoist.

October 28

The peace talks between the West Bengal Government and the CPI-Maoist came to an end with the Maoists calling them "misleading and senseless". A letter from CPI-Maoist state secretary Akash to Sujato Bhadra, the leader of the six-member team of interlocutors, says the "peace talks" referred to by Mamata Banerjee Government frequently did not make any sense.

Security Forces recovered a powerful landmine suspected to have been planted by Maoists in the Jhitka forest along the road leading to Lalgarh from Binpur in West Midnapore District, a short while before TMC MP Subhendu Adhikari and party local MLA Srikanta Mahato were to pass by. Besides the landmine, 300 metres of electric wire, three detonators, a few iron balls and some gelatine sticks were also recovered from the area.

October 29

Sports minister Madan Mitra said that former India skipper Ravi Sashtri had agreed to the State Government's proposal to set up cricket coaching camps in Junglemahal and the Darjeeling hills.

October 30

After the CPI-Maoist rejected her talks offer, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opened another channel to convince them to come to the negotiation table to settle the Jungle Mahal issue amicably. Union Minister of State for Shipping Mukul Roy will hold talks with the wife of arrested PCPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato, Niyati, and some other officials of the organisation in Kolkata on November 3. Apart from Niyati, the secretary of the Santras Birodhi Committee (anti-terrorism committee) Ashok Jiban and Nari Ijjat Bachao Committee (Committee for Women Upholding Dignity) Jyotsna Mahato will also join talks with Roy for talks at the Nizam Palace in Kolkata. During November 3 meeting, the secretary of the All-India Legal Aid Forum and a Supreme Court advocate Joydeep Mukherjee will be a mediator.

October 31

A Maoist, Shibnath Mahato, wanted in connection with several criminal cases, was arrested from Ergoda in West Midnapore District. Mahato was a Maoist action squad member and had links with the PCPA.

November 1

A landmine was found near to the place where TMC MP Subhendu Adhikari was scheduled to address a rally in West Midnapore District.

Addressing the rally, Adhikari said the West Bengal Government is determined to drive out armed men Maoist-infested areas in Jungle Mahal and bring back peace.

November 2

A Maoist, identified as Prashanta Mahato, was arrested by joint forces from Ghritokham village under Jhargram sub-division in West Midnapore District. Prashanta belonged to the action squad led by Jayanta and was involved in the murder of five persons including a CPI-Marxist worker in the District.

The leaders of PCPA, who had earlier agreed to hold peace talks with the West Bengal Government, made a volte face and refused to come to Kolkata to have a dialogue with Union minister of State for shipping, Mukul Roy.

November 4

A local TMC leader, identified as Jitu Singh Sardar, was killed by Maoists in Balarampur area of Purulia District. The victim was an active member of the committee to resist anti-development activities in Jungle Mahal area. After this incident, Mamata Banerjee said she would review the decision of suspending anti-maoist operations.

Following the abduction of some ration-dealers in Purulia and Bankura by suspected Maoists for agreeing to distribute rice at INR 2 a kilogram among the tribals, the State food and supplies department has decided to use Police cooperatives for distribution.

November 5

Police arrested Joydeb Mahato, spokesperson of the Maoist-backed PCPA, from a village in Jhargram in West Midnapore District. Mahato, who is wanted in 11 murder cases, is believed to have played a pivotal role in mobilizing support for the PCPA over the last year or so, and played a binding role in its organizational set-up. Maoist literature and IED-making material was found from his possession.

November 6

Maoists fired at a TMC rally in Jhargram's Masangdihi village and injured one party worker. The rally was taken out to mobilise support for party MP, Subhendu Adhikary's November 12 rally near Jhargram. A motorbike, few Maoist posters, a pistol and four IEDs were found at the forest nearby during the combing operation following the attack.

A husband and wife duo, Durjodhan Rajkowar and his wife Lalita, members of a Maoist squad operating in the Ayodhya Hills of Purulia District surrendered before the District Police.

November 10

The Mamata Banerjee Government gave the green signal for operations against the CPI-Maoist in Jungle Mahal. The CMO issued the order to for an all-out assault. Senior officers have been told to target senior leaders and the chief minister has sought immediate results, said an official.

Police sources said an IPS officer would be posted at each sensitive Police Station in the Maoist belt. The CMO has allocated land for permanent bases of central forces in Jungle Mahal and requested for the recall of the CoBRA commandos sent to Jharkhand after the anti-Maoist operations were stalled in West Bengal. The process of recruiting fresh IPS officers in the Maoist-hit West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia has started.

Pushing for development in Maoist strongholds, Union Minister Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh will be visiting Jungle Mahal along with CM Mamata Banerjee to assess the situation in the Maoist hotbed and prepare an action plan for the area.

November 10

SFs detected three landmines, suspected to have been planted by the Maoists, at Labhadhara area in West Midnapore District. A large number of Maoist posters were also found in the area, they said. The discovery of landmines came ahead of TMC MP Subhendu Adhikary's scheduled anti-Maoist rally in Jhargram on November 12, with Labhadhara lying enroute.

Ahead of CM Mamata Banerjee's visit to Purulia and Bankura Districts, Police arrested two suspected Maoists from the Ghatghora area in Purulia District. They are believed to be part of the Ayodhya Hills Squad of the CPI-Maoist, the Police said.

The IB reported that 11 TMC political leaders - including ministers, an MP and MLAs - are on the Maoist hit list. The State Government has now decided to enhance the security of all those who figure in the list.

The six-member interlocutor team appointed by CM Mamata Banerjee to bring the Maoists and the West Bengal government to the negotiating table wanted to quit their job.

November 11

The SFs arrested four persons, including Maoist leader, Somen Maity who is the 'area commander' of Lalgarh and Salboni, in a raid conducted at a village in the Salboni Police Station area of West Midnapore District. Of the three others apprehended during the raid, one person was arrested for providing shelter to the Maoists and the others are Maoist cadres. Five weapons that had been looted during the attack at Silda - an AK-47, a carbine and three INSAS rifles -- were among the weapons recovered during the operations. The Police have also recovered seven improvised firearms.

The CPI-Maoist State Secretary Akash advised Singur's farmers to reoccupy the plots taken away from them during the Left Front Government to set up the Tata Motors Limited car factory. CPI-Maoist also asked the State Government to distribute 5,000 acres of land, earmarked for the Jindal Steel and Power Ltd's project at Salboni in West Midnapore, among local farmers and declare the area a no industry zone.

Addressing a public rally at Balarampur of Purulia District, CM Mamata Banerjee told the people, "you shall get whatever you ask for, provided you don't support the Maoists".

November 13

Asit Mahato, one of the prime suspects in the Jnaneswari Express derailment that claimed 149 lives on May 28, 2010, was arrested from a village in the Salboni Police Station area in West Midnapore District.

Police arrested a suspected Maoist cadre, Banwalli Patar alias Banna, from his house in the District. A DBBL rifle was found at a spot near his house. Patar is suspected to be an active member of the Jayanto squad and was wanted in connection with the abduction of Madan Mahato, a resident of the same village.

November 14

Two cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed and two SF personnel of the 10th Naga Battalion got seriously injured when SFs ambushed a Maoist group of about 15 persons, including some women, while it was fleeing Ghatbera after killing two TMC supporters at Ghatbera in the Balrampur area of Purulia District. The gun-battle continued through the night till early November 15. The encounter signals the launch of a fresh offensive in the Jangalmahal area after nearly five months.

An armed Maoist squad raided a village in Balrampur in Purulia District and shot dead a 63-year-old retired school teacher Ajit Singh Sardar and his 22-year-old son Baku. Both the victims were supporters of TMC.

Banerjee said the security agencies had been asked to step up operations against underground Maoist outfits operating from Kolkata hideouts and their support bases in the city. She said her Government was ready with a blueprint for action against certain NGOs that were actually aiding and abating Maoists. "A number of Jadavpur University professors are also involved," she said.

The West Bengal State secretary of the CPI-Maoist, Akash, in a statement said that the "time for mutual ceasefire is over", as the Government did not come up with any concrete proposal for peace initiative.

November 15

The CPI-Maoist shot off a letter to the interlocutors appointed by Mamata Government, proposing a four-month ceasefire.

November 17

CPI-Maoist 'commander', Jagori Baske and her husband and comrade Rajaram Soren, called on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the State Secretariat after surrendering before the Police. Jagori Baske was reportedly involved in the Silda camp killing in 2010. While the duo had first discussed their surrender with the District Police in Purulia, they surrendered before the IG, Intelligence Branch, and desired to meet the CM.

SFs carried out combing operations in Jhargram, Lalgarh, Belpahari, Binpur and Nayagram areas in West Midnapore District. One SLR rifle and explosive powder used in making land-mines were recovered from Purnapani area between Lalgarh and Salboni, Police said.

Maoist leader, Akash threatened that the TMC MP Subhendu Adhikary will be punished in the Peoples' Court (kangaroo Courts). "Like the previous Government, Trinamool is also trying to wrest power at gun- point and creating an undemocratic and suffocating atmosphere in the State," said Akash.

One of the interlocutors appointed by the State said that they will meet the CM on November 19 to explore the possibility of resumption of talks with the Maoist. Earlier, the interlocutors had, in a letter to the CM on November 16 had expressed their desire to be relieved of the responsibilities assigned to them by the State government in view of the recent developments in the Jangalmahal area.

November 18

Two Maoists, Sanjay Das and Parasuram Das, were arrested from Sonachura and Gangra villages in East Midnapore District. The arrested Maoists were involved in the killing of the two TMC workers in Balrampur of Purulia District on November 14 and in the killing of Nandigram-Sonachura gram panchayat Pradhan Nishikanata Mondal in 2009.

In the wake of intelligence reports stating that West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and ten senior leaders of the TMC were featured on a Maoist hit-list, Banerjee said in Kolkata that she was aware of "a joint-conspiracy" against her, but did not want to "name any names". "I have received information that there is a joint-conspiracy. The names I am not mentioning, the people can guess who they are," she said.

State Food & Supplies Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick said that Maoist posters threatening his life had been found in the lobby outside his office. "They could not paste the posters. So they scattered them in the lobby and ran away," Mallick said, adding that eleven posters had been found. The posters demanded "the head of the Food Minister".

November 19

One of the two joint SF personnel injured in an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres in Purulia District on November 15 succumbed to his injuries.

SFs recovered a huge cache of weapons during anti-CPI-Maoist operations in West Midnapore District over the past week. The haul included nine guns that were taken away by the Maoists in an attack on a camp of EFR at Silda, Police Officers said. Operations were conducted in the Kotwali, Lalgarh and Salboni Police Station areas. "We recovered 11 sophisticated weapons, nearly 250 detonators, 786 rounds of ammunition, 200 kilograms of explosives and over 30 land-mines," SP, Pravin Tripathi said. The combing operations in the Jangal Mahal region would continue in the coming days.

Police arrested Maoist-backed PCPA member Nirmal Mahato (35), from his home in Nalbora village in Jhargram area for playing a key role in holding up Bhubaneswar Rajdhani in 2009. He was produced before a Jhargram court and remanded to five days in police custody

The six Government-appointed interlocutors for talks with the CPI-Maoist in Jungle Mahal, who had wanted to be relieved of their responsibilities, were requested to continue their parleys by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. "The chief minister has requested us to continue the peace process and we have accepted it," Sujato Bhadra who heads the team of interlocutors told reporters after a meeting with the CM.

November 20

Rabi Mandi, a member of a Maoist squad, operating in Purulia District, surrendered before the Police. Mandi admitted that he had been part of the Ayodhya squad for the past one-and-half to two years and was involved in killings as well as an encounter with the SFs in September 2011.

November 21

The Police arrested two persons, Kajal Mahato from Rangametia village of Nayagram and Kalipada Mahato from Birihand village of Jhargram, for their alleged links with the CPI-Maoist. Jhargram SP, Gaurav Sharma, claimed that Mahato was involved in the firing incident at Masangdihi village on November 7.

The West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee warned organisations glorifying the CPI-Maoist that the Government would take action against them anytime as there are provisions in Central Acts that empower the Government to act against persons seeking to glorify Maoists or any other rebel group.

Maoist posters criticising increase in salaries of MLAs in the State were seized by Police from Nayagram and Goaltore towns of West Midnapore District. The Maoists also warned Police informers would have to pay "the ultimate penalty".

Several Maoist posters were found at different parts of Nayagram block where Maoists asked villagers to drive out Trinamool activists. "Trinamool is the new form of the Left Front government. Drive them out," said the posters.

November 22

The Police arrested Pranabesh Mahato, a youth, who allegedly had played a key role in the murder of Trinamool Congress leader Rabindranath Mishra in Jhargram on August 25, 2011.

1,000 SF personnel raided Lalboni village in Binpur Police Station area of West Midnapore District in an operation that was launched after receiving information that two CPI-Maoist action-squad leaders were camping there.

One rifle, 16 rounds of ammunition and detonators were seized in the raid made by SFs in the Borihati forest in Jamboni Police Station area of the District. One 9 mm pistol was also found from the Laboni jungle in Belpahari Police Station area.

November 23

The West Bengal Government made another appeal to the Maoists to lay down arms and return to the mainstream. "Those who are taking up guns and killing people should return to the mainstream and keep faith in democracy, which is the only alternative," Commerce and Industry minister, Partha Chatterjee said at a party rally to condemn Maoist violence.

November 24

The CPI-Maoist Politburo member Mallojula Koteshwar Rao alias Kishanji, the man who controlled Maoist operations in eastern India, was cornered and killed in a massive security operation after a two-hour gun battle in Kushaboni forest in Jhargram on the West Bengal-Jharkhand border in West Midnapore District.

The operation that netted Kishanji, who has repeatedly eluded such dragnets in the past three years, began in the night of November 22.

The Security Forces searched for Kishanji's trusted aide Suchitra Mahato, wife of slain Maoist leader Sashadhar Mahato, who was with him during the encounter and is believed to be injured in the encounter.

November 26

The body of slain CPI-Maoist politburo member Koteswar Rao alias Kishanji was identified by Maoist sympathiser Varavara Rao. Deepa, the daughter of Kishanji's elder brother Anjayelu, also identified the body of the slain Maoist leader.

November 27

The call for a two-day bandh, called by the CPI-Maoist in protest against the killing of Mallojula Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji 'in a fake encounter' in the afternoon on November 24, in Burishole in West Midnapore District had no impact in the State except for closure of some shops in Jhargram area in the District.

A landmine, possibly planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres, was recovered from a market in Goaltore in West Midnapore District.

November 28

Five of the six civil society members appointed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to bring the CPI-Maoist, to the dialogue table withdrew themselves from the job, citing unfavorable conditions in Jungle Mahal in West Midnapore District. This has come four days after CPI-Maoist Politburo member Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji was killed by the SFs on November 24.

November 30

SFs stepped up their operations and tracked down the hideout of a top CPI-Maoist 'commander", Ranjan Munda, in Nayagram block of West Midnapore District.

The joint forces are still looking for the injured Suchitra Mahato. The discovery of a woman's decomposed body in Jamboni's Kanaisole forest triggered speculation for a while but it was not Suchitra's, say sources.

An 'area commander' of the CPI-Maoist, identified as Barun Das alias Surya, surrendered in Birbhum District. Surya was in-charge of the Dubrajpur-Khairashol-Kanksa area in Birbhum.

December 4

The first day of a two-day bandh called by the CPI-Maoist in protest against the killing of Polit Bureau member Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji evoked a partial response and passed off peacefully in the Jungle Mahal region of West Midnapore District.

December 6

The second day of the Bharat Bandh called by the CPI-Maoist protesting the killing of top Maoist leader Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji evoked a lukewarm response in the State.

Governor M K Narayanan said, "The killing of one leader will not end the (Maoist) movement. We hope it will be a setback for the movement. Wait and see."

December 7

Fearing retribution from Maoists for Kishanji's killing in an encounter on November 24, doors of Police Stations in Kolkata are being bolted from within by 11.30pm [local time] and opened not before 6.30am. "We have received intelligence inputs that the Maoists, in retaliation to Kishanji's death, will try to carry out strikes on police forces in and around Kolkata. So, all our units must be on full alert. We have to be extra careful in the present situation," Shibaji Ghosh, special commissioner of Kolkata Police, said.

December 8

Chunaram Soren, hailing from Patharpara of Goaltore in West Midnapore District, surrendered before the court claiming him-self to be a squad member of CPI-Maoist. Soren claimed that he was close to the slain Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji. Police, however, did not corroborate his claim.

SFs have started a quiet hunt for Venugopal Rao, elder brother of slain Maoist leader Kishanji, "somewhere inside the forests of Belpahari" in West Midnapore District.

December 14

The West Bengal Government invited engineering major Larsen & Toubro to set up a thermal power plant of 700-800 MW capacity in the CPI-Maoist-affected West Midnapore District. "We have offered L&T land at Goaltore to set up a power plant," CM Mamata Banerjee said, adding that preliminary talks have been held with the company in this regard.

Rebutting allegations that top Maoist leader Kishanji was killed in a "fake encounter", Mamata Banerjee said the SFs took time to confirm his death as they had no idea that the senior rebel leader was in the Burishole jungle area at the time.

December 16

Three CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Jagannath Tudu, Shibil Soren and Lakshikant Mahto, were arrested from Kaliam village in Binpur area in West Midnapore District. The three were cadres of the 'China squad' but the nomenclature has nothing to do with the neighbouring country, the sources said.

December 20

Even after the killing of top CPI-Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji, the Maoists still have the men and firepower for retaliatory strikes in West Bengal, according to an intelligence report sent to the Union Home Ministry. The SIB - a central intelligence agency - report details the status of Maoist squads active in Jungle Mahal (West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia Districts) and other Districts after Kishanji's death in an encounter on November 24. According to the report, nine Maoist squads with more than 100 members are active in West Midnapore and Purulia Districts and all members are being given firearms. The biggest among these is Purulia's Ayodhya squad, with nearly 40 members.

The report lists the Maoists as having 30 sophisticated firearms including five AK-47s and five INSAS rifles, apart from a host of other weapons. "As per our information, Maoists at present are suffering from an ammunition crisis. But they do not have a shortage of firearms. Kishanji's death is a major blow to the Maoists. They are taking time to absorb it. But at the same time, they are preparing themselves to strike back. We are keeping a watch on the situation," said Banibrata Basu, ADG of state intelligence branch.

The Maoist squads in Belpahari, Jhargram East, Jhargram West, Jamboni, Binpur, Nayagram and Lalgarh are active in West Midnapore District. Among these, Belpahari is the biggest, with more than 20 members under the leadership of Madan Mahato.

A squad member of the CPI-Maoist surrendered at a court in Jhargram in West Midnapore District. "Subodh Hasda, known in his squad as Cheena, has surrendered at the Jhargram court today [on Tuesday]," said State IG (Western Range) Gangeshwar Singh. Senior police officials said Hansda is close to Maoist leader Suchitra Mahato and Sachdev, and his surrender is important to the Police. At least eight Maoists who have been active in the Jungle Mahal area have surrendered over the past few months.

December 24

A young woman CPI-Maoist squad member, Raimoni Soren (20), was arrested from her village in the Lalgarh Police Station area in West Midnapore District for her alleged involvement in Maoist activities.

Four persons associated with Maoist activities surrendered at the Berhampore Police Station in Murshidabad District. "The four persons were accused in a case of sedition registered in 2010. They are also close associates of Kambit Sarkar, a key local Maoist leader," said B.L. Meena, SP.

December 26

The SFs recovered landmines kept inside a village pond by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Jhargram sub-division in West Midnapore District. The Police and CRPF personnel jointly commenced the search operation and recovered eight directional landmines kept inside a pond by Maoists, were noticed by some villagers who had gone to take a bath.

Acting on a tip off, SFs raided Karma village of Balarampur in Purulia District and arrested a Maoist squad member identified as Gostho Gope, Purulia Police said. The interrogation revealed that the Maoists were planning to eliminate members of anti-Maoist forums at Karma village.

December 27

Following the revelation made by Gostho Gope, in a following raid, the Police arrested three other Maoist squad members in Jhargram sub-division in West Midnapore District.

In a separate raid the Police arrested Bimal Mahato alias Mithun, a cadre of Maoist-backed PCPA from Kalaboni village of the District. The Jhargram SP confirmed that Mithun was wanted in several cases which included a case of sedition.

Note:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.

 

 

 

 

 
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