Following the abduction and release of Prashant Layek, Dhalbhumgarh block development officer (BDO) in Jharkhand, the state government has identified government officials, including BDOs and sub-divisional officers (SDOs) working in the Naxal-affected areas, as soft targets.

Intelligence inputs also point towards the possibility of Maoists targeting government employees in Jangalmahal.

Earlier, following a request from District Magistrate of West Midnapore Narayan Swarup Nigam, BDOs in the district have been provided with bodyguards. Now, since the threat is more pronounced, the state government is planning to bring all government officials and offices under security cover.

Layek was abducted recently by Maoists and released after six days as the Jharkhand government agreed to the Maoists’ demand of initiating the release process of some of their arrested members and re-investigation into some Maoist-related cases.

“We are working on an elaborate plan. But for security purposes I cannot comment on the issue,” said Nigam.

According to the police sources, there are specific threat to government officials in the three districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore. A senior state government official at the Writers’ Buildings said the district magistrates from the three districts wrote to the state home secretary asking for more security.

“We stated that government officials are very scared here and they are unwilling to work in such unsafe environment. We have, therefore, forwarded a request for a security cover to all government officers,” said a senior district official from Purulia.

According to the report sent by the DMs, most of the block level and forest officials have to reside near the block and forest offices located in the Jangalmahal area so the government has to ensure their safety. Moreover, various important development projects are going on in different areas of Jangalmahal, so security is required to carry out the projects smoothly.

Intelligence inputs also indicate that government officials are easy prey for Maoists, whom they later use to strike deals with the government.

“The Maoists may ask for the release of their cadres who have been arrested in constant raids by security forces. We cannot take that chance,” said a senior police officer at the Writers’ Buildings.

“Though it has not been finalised, we are planning to provide security to all government offices and residential quarters of officials in the three districts. We are also planning to provide additional personal security guards to SDOs, BDOs and some other ranks. Camps of security forces will be shifted near government offices,” said a police officer at Writers’ Buildings.

According to sources, government officials will be provided security during his or her movement in the districts, including during field visits.