Maoist posters at the Erasama block headquarters office in Jagatsinghpur district. Telegraph picture

Paradip, March 7: Security was stepped up in Jagatsinghpur district today after Maoist posters were found in several places in Erasama block, about 60km from here.

While the authenticity of the posters is under police scanner, the purported posters warned government agencies against setting up the Posco steel project in the district.

The posters were spotted stuck on the boundary walls of Erasama High School building, the Erasama Panchayat Samiti office and also at markets in Erasama and Dhanmundi villages.

Incidentally, Maoist leader Dushmanta alias Mangu Biswal, who was arrested by Bargarh district police a few days ago, hails from the Erasama area.

The arrested Maoist was a key person in the Left-wing outfit and his area of operation in disruptive activities were mainly spread across Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh districts.

“We are looking into the veracity and genuineness of Maoist posters. The forensic and hand-writing experts have been pressed into service to ascertain whether the posters had any Maoist link. Suspected involvement of the arrested Maoist cadre Biswal in the poster campaign is also being investigated,” said Shantanu Kumar Biswal, sub-divisional police officer, Paradip.

The posters, written in Oriya and English, warned the police and other government officials of dire consequence in the event the poor and innocent settlers were displaced and harassed for the Posco steel project.

The posters expressed anguish over increasing corruptive practices in block offices and other offices of both the civil and police administration.

“It may be the handiwork of Maoists sympathisers. Some family members of the arrested Maoist leader Biswal are being questioned,” said Sashi Sekhar Mahapatra, inspector of Erasama police station.

Police unearthed the Maoist’s network and link in Jagatsinghpur in September 2008. At least eight active Maoist cadres were arrested then by the district police from Raghunathpur police station area.