Maoists undergo training (file picture)

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 14: Kandhamal has become the focal point of the Orissa government’s anti-Maoist operation in the wake of civilians being arrested for harbouring and helping the rebels in different ways.

Though yet to be confirmed, there are reports that the radicals are planning a Nayagarh-type attack at certain places in the district which borders the Maoist stronghold of Rayagada.

Sources said security had been beefed up throughout Kandhamal, which is also a communally sensitive area, following the arrest of a private company driver, who had been arranging medical help for top Maoist leaders such as Dunna Keshav Rao alias Azad. At least two other civilians were also found involved in similar activities.

This has led to suspicion that the Maoists operating in Kandhamal and its adjoining districts may be drawing sustenance from a much bigger network of sympathisers who provide shelter and organise logistics for them. The rebels badly need civilian support especially in the case of medical emergencies like the one, which arose earlier this year when the Azad’s girlfriend was taken ill and had to be rushed to Bhubaneswar.

Though this was not the first Bhubaneswar visit of Runita Badmajhi to Bhubaneswar in the company of Azad, it proved to be a costly trip in which police raided the area where they were staying following a tip-off and she was arrested. Azad managed to escape and surrendered a few days later in Andhra Pradesh.

The Maoist sympathiser arrested last Sunday in Kandhamal had also arranged for the treatment of Padma, wife of rebel top gun Ramakrishna, who is yet to be arrested by the police though he operates in both Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The Maoists are known to reward such “contacts” and punish “rats” who squeal on them after falling into the hands of police.

Much more disturbing news from Kandhmal is that aided and abetted by local contacts the Maoists from Chhatisgarh and Jharkhand are planning an attack on police and CRPF camps in the district. However, the police officials, so far, have refrained from confirming the news, which, if true, should be a matter of concern.

Sources said that irrespective of whether the news was true, security had been tightened throughout the district, especially in the area close to Rayagada border. The administration, having been caught napping in the past, is not in a mood to take chances anymore.