Dumka, Sept. 1: A policeman apparently gave key information to pave the way for the July 2 Naxalite ambush that killed Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar and five of his constables, a rebel arrested by Pakur police a couple of days ago, has divulged during his interrogation.

According to the police, Sanatan Baski, a native of Kathikund in Dumka, led the rebel group that opened fire at Balihar’s convoy of two SUVs near Jamni-Amtalla along the forested stretch between Dumka and Pakur on that fateful day.

“In his confession, Baski stated that a policeman gave rebels the exact information on Balihar’s vehicular movement that day,” the present Pakur SP Y.S. Ramesh said.

The name of the policeman is still not known.

Dumka SP Nirmal Kumar Mishra, however, said accepting Baski’s statement at face value would be premature at present.

“Baski has given conflicting statements during his interrogation. Rebels are often trained to do so to mislead the probe. We will definitely have to look into all angles to gather concrete information about the events leading up to the fatal attack,” he said.

The role of a bodyguard of the slain Pakur SP was under scanner at the initial stages of the investigation. But no concrete evidence could be gathered against him.

So far, police have revealed the involvement of Satan Besra, also from Kathikund area, and Wakil Hembrom of Pakuria in Pakur, said to be rebels. The duo allegedly communicated to attackers about Balihar’s movement during his Dumka visit and return.

The attack on Balihar, known for his hardline stand against the Naxalites, clearly spelt precision planning on the part of the rebels.