Significantly, in last 10 days, six unidentified bodies were found in the area, including three skeletons which were excavated from Bhalukbasa forest and three decomposed bodies that were found floating in the Baital canal.

A senior officer of the Goaltore police station said: “Today, in the morning the villagers informed us that they have found two decomposed bodies in the canal. We have sent our officers there. The spot is located 25 kilometres from the nearest police station. The bodies are yet to be identified.”

Around five days ago, a decomposed body was found in the canal, which is still unidentified. However, sources said that the victim was a Maoist himself.

“The three skeletons and the decomposed body found in Baital canal a few days ago belong to the squad members of the CPI-Maoists who were killed in an encounter with the joint forces,” said Manoj Verma, Superintendent of Police, West Midnapore.

Meanwhile, there was a false alarm in the Jhargram town in the morning over reports of three mines being planted on the state highway passing through Lodhashuli. The CRPF rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. Movement of vehicles was also restricted for some time. No mine was, however, found.

“Several portion of the road was dug up which led to the panic. Our forces rushed to the spot but found nothing,” said Verma.