An almost empty Ranchi railway station during the bandh on Monday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Dumka, Nov. 8: The brutal murder of two persons by rebels on November 4 in Baratand village in Banka district of Bihar — just two kilometres from Saraiyahat block headquarter in Dumka district — has posed fresh challenges for the security agencies, particularly because of the possibility of expansion of the Red corridor.

About 50 members of the armed squad of CPI(Maoist) thronged Baratand the night before Diwali, dragged Ghanshyam Tanti (55) and Gulabi Tanti (22) out from their homes at midnight and gunned them down before slitting their throats on the outskirts of the village.

Three persons also received gunshot injuries as the rebels fired indiscriminately to terrorise villagers.

The murders are believed to be the revenge of Maoists for the lynching of fellow rebel Jairam Sah by the villagers in September 2008, when the rebels had arrived in the village to recruit some people into their fold.

According to intelligence sources, the Maoists had taken shelter in Saraiyahat block after being attacked in Baratand, pointing to their connections in the locality.

The murders have jolted the security agencies as they apprehend the Maoists establishing a foothold in Saraiyahat block, which has so far remained untouched from rebel activities, unlike neighbouring Ramgarh, Kathikund, Gopikandar and Shikaripara blocks of the district.

After holding their sway in the four blocks, Saraiyahat block is their last stop to establish a red corridor between the states of Bihar and Bengal.

Police superintendent Hemant Toppo said measures have been taken to thwart attempts of rebels to expand their base in Saraiyahat. “The local and adjoining police stations have been put on alert to keep a close vigil on the rebels and curb their attempts to cross interstate borders,” he added.