Police in eastern Bihar districts have set in place elaborate security measures and formed quick response teams (QRT) at police stations in the Maoist hotbeds after increase in threats from rebels.
Raids and search operations have been intensified. Banka police managed to destroy two bunkers held by rebels.
But despite the counter-preparedness, intelligence sources said the rebels have changed their strategy. 'Top rebels from other states are developing Red corridors in eastern Bihar and northern Jharkhand. We've specific examples like forceful recruitment of village youths in the Red camp,' an intelligence officer said. Santhal Parganas and Giridih districts in Jharkhand share borders with Banka and Jamui districts in Bihar.
He further said: 'We also have reports about a reshuffle in the rank and file of the organisation. Those arrested in the past year were junior cadres or residents who interacted with the rebels. According to them, the senior leaders have started penetrating society, mixing with villagers and assuring to make their lives better,' the officer said.
The officer said many rebels prefer to take shelter in nearby Bhagalpur (Bihar) or Deoghar (Jharkhand). In eastern Bihar, police have started a special combing operation with Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and Special Task Force.
On January 11, Banka police destroyed two rebel bunkers inside Biharforest bordering rebel-controlled Katoriya and Fullidumar blocks. Additional superintendent of police (operations) Arun Kumar Singh led the drive. They recovered daily-use items and important documents.
Sources said, police along with CRPF, SSB and STF raided the forest areas but did not find anybody. 'They are looking for Mantu Khaira, involved in many cases,' said Katoriya station house officer (SHO) Prabesh Kumar Bharati. Last week, Banka police arrested Mantu's aide Thaku Khaira.
Banka police are informing residents about the rebels. 'Some time back Mantu Khaira raped a young girl after her mother wanted to end her relationship with him. Similarly, some youths trapped by Mantu were threatened with elimination when they refused to work for him. They have now fled to Calcutta,' the officer said. The police are asking residents not to provide shelter to unknown persons.
