Patna, Aug. 16: Maoists had given a call for the boycott of the Independence Day celebrations in Naxalite-affected districts of Bihar. But the Tricolour fluttered at the historic Rohtas Fort, considered a den of rebels, yesterday.

Defying the boycott call, a team of police personnel led by additional superintendent of police (operation) B.K. Mandal hoisted the national flag at the historic Rohtas Fort, considered to be a den of Maoists. A large number of residents of the area joined in.

“People’s participation in the celebration was good,” said Rohtas superintendent of police Vikas Vaibhav.

He told the Telegraph that it was the second consecutive year when a team comprising members of the district police, special task force, special auxiliary police force and the central paramilitary force was sent to hoist the Tricolour at the Rohtas Fort.

“The police had unfurled the National Flag at the historic fort after a gap of about 30 years in 2009. The fort had turned into a haven for the Naxalites, who were earlier running a training camp,” Vaibhav said, adding that he decided to fight with the rebels on all fronts after he assumed charge about three years ago.

“We have won the psychological battle with the help of the people, who participated in a large number in sports and cultural activities started by the security agencies in the influential pockets of the Maoists,” the district police chief said.

The Rohtas Fort, built in 1541 is about 50km south from Dehri-on-Sone, the district police headquarters of Rohtas.