Bhubaneswar, Feb. 1: Anti-Maoist operation has been stepped throughout the state following reports that the rebels may target vital installations in their areas of influence.

Sources said that while vigil had been intensified at all government establishments, security had also been beefed up at major industrial units and mines in the rebel-dominated districts such as Koraput and Rayagada.

The Maoists had attacked the Panchpatmali bauxite mines of a central public undertaking in Koraput district in 2009, killing 10 Central Industrial Security Force jawans.

Ever since, the state government has asked mines and other industries with their captive mines to strengthen security and keep their explosives in a safe place. The rebels need explosives for making Indigenous Explosive Devices and laying mines.

Koraput and Rayagada are rich in minerals while the neighbouring Kalahandi district houses a major alumina refinery belonging to an industrial house, which has made investments also in other parts of the state.

Significantly, both Kalahandi and its neighbouring district of Balangir have been witnessing Maoist activities for the past few years.

Police sources said Balangir had recently emerged as a major base of the rebels. The radicals, who have executed a few murders in the district, are reportedly planning a corridor through Balangir and Nuapada to connect Chhattisgarh. Balangir, Nupada and Kalahandi lie next to each other.

Security has also been tightened in mineral-rich Jajpur and Keonjhar districts, where Maoist activities began over a decade ago. What worries the police is the proximity of Keonjhar to Jharkhand, where the rebels have a strong base. “The chances of rebels from the neighbouring state carrying out joint operations with their associates in Keonjhar cannot be ruled out. This has to be viewed seriously given the huge mining scam which has taken place in Keonjhar,” said a senior police officer.

Keonjhar, which borders forest-infested Mayurbhanj district, is also close to Bengal where once Maoist leader Kisan held sway. He was also known to mastermind operations in Odisha, striking as deep as into the districts of Keonjhar and Jajpur, the latter being the steel hub of the state. “He had established a strong network in the areas on the borders of Odisha and Bengal. We are also keeping a watch on the situation in these areas,” said an officer.