100 Maoists still hiding in Lalgarh: Official

Kolkata, July 2 : More than 100 Maoist rebels were still hiding in Lalgarh forests and many of them are well-equipped with advanced fire arms and ammunitions, West Bengal Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said here Thursday.

'According our information, more than 100 Maoists are hiding in West Midnapore's Lalgarh and many of them are well-equipped with fire weapons,' Sen told reporters.

He said the joint operation to flush out Maoist extremists would continue and state Director General of Police Vupinder Singh and the Central Reserve Paramilitary Force (CRPF) Director General would visit Lalgarh Friday to monitor the situation.

'So far, about 25 people have been arrested who are suspected to have connections with the Maoists activities. One of them is a hard-core Maoist rebel,' he said, adding the central forces would stay in the state for next one month.

Asked if there is any allegation by local residents that they are being tortured by the security forces during the joint operation, Sen said, 'We've not received anything as of now but if there'll be any complaint the government would definitely look into that.'

Meanwhile, a landmine, loaded with almost seven kilograms of explosive substance, was recovered from Bankura district's Sarenga police station area Thursday evening, police said.

--IANS