“A decision on this will be taken soon,” said Chief Secretary Ardhendu Sen.

While DGP Bhupinder Singh said that the forces require the “air-support for evacuating casualty from the combat zone”, Special DG, CRPF (Central Sector), Vijay Raman, said that it could also be used for gathering intelligence.

“The air-surveillance will minimize the chances of ambush on the CRPF patrols,” Raman added.

Maoist bandh a cover for cadres to move, police told

Security forces on Tuesday launched combing operations in Purulia, bordering Jharkhand following inputs from state and central intelligence agencies that the 48-hour bandh called by Maoist leader Kishenji in five states beginning May 17 was a pre-planned to facilitate the movement of armed cadres.