In all, about 28 police companies from the two states and CRPF troops are engaged in the operation that began on March 8, senior police officers said. Hospitals in the districts have been alerted for casualties and injuries.

Three BSF helicopters have been pressed into action for aerial surveillance and for ferrying the injured. “I cannot tell you where exactly the camps have been overrun. The aim is to familiarise the forces with the terrain. We will also try to win the confidence of the local people,” DGP Bhupinder Singh said.

The whole operation is being coordinated by the CRPF led by Vijay Raman, a special DG with the Central force.

During the operation, the police teams from the two states can enter each other’s areas while chasing the Maoists, as was demanded by the West Bengal government. “Only the SP of the concerned district will have to be informed,” Surjit Kar Purokayastha, IG (law and order), said.

“At present, what is being done is area domination and winning the confidence of the people. But soon, the operation will be intensified and more forces with sophisticated weapons will be deployed,” the IG said.

Meanwhile, top Maoist leader KIshenji vowed revenge and urged the two state governments to stop the operation. “We will strike if this operation is not stopped,” the Maoist leader said in a statement.