Meanwhile, two more unidentified bodies were found on Sunday evening from Dherua. In the past 24 hours, the body count has risen to four.

“We have initiated a probe and an extensive search to arrest those involved in the incidents,” said SP (West Midnapore) Manoj Verma.

Locals spotted the bullet-ridden body of Satish Singh Sardar at Chotopukuria in Belpahari on Sunday morning.

According to the police, an armed Maoist squad entered Chotopukuria village around 3 am and gathered in front of Satish’s house.

He was called outside and taken to a desolate house before being shot dead. Satish was also the member of Gana Pratirodh Committee (a panel formed by the CPM in the area to resist the Maoists).

According to sources, Maoists had earlier warned Satish, who was believed to be an informer of police. Meanwhile, another squad attacked Narendranath Mahato, another CPM supporter’s house in Jamboni. He was hit with sharp weapons.

As Mahato remained lying in the pool of his own blood, the Maoists thought that he was dead and left the place. He was rescued by villagers later and rushed to Midnapore in a critical condition where he died later. The Maoists also ransacked a ration shop in Jamboni on Saturday night.

‘Political factors in Bengal govt affecting anti-naxal operations’

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has said that “political factors in the West Bengal government” were affecting anti-naxal operations in the state. “There are a number of factors. The way state police have been organised, the way they are deployed is a factor. I think, there are political factors in the West Bengal government which is affecting the command and control of the operation,” he told NDTV.

Asked why the Centre cannot carry out anti-naxal operations in West Bengal, Chidambaram said, “I cannot, unless the state government says we cannot do it, you do it. They have not said that yet.” He also said the talks could be held with naxals if they abjure violence.