The PCAPA activists attacked Barikul police station near west Midnapore border. In retaliation, the police raided the village and arrested one Maoist, leaving three others injured.

Around 3 pm, locals under the banner of PCAPA and backed by Maoists attacked the police station demanding immediate release of 16 innocent villagers held by them.

Vishal Garg, SP of Bankura, said: “We were prepared to prevent the attack by the Maoist-backed PCAPA activists. Within a few minutes, our forces retaliated.”

“Three Maoists were injured in the battle, but they were rescued by others. A woman member of the Maoist action squad of West Midnapore, Urmila Sigh Sardar, has been arrested,” added Garg.

According to a senior officer of Bankura police station, the joint forces restricted the mob at Satnala, half a kilometre from the police station at 2 pm. There were around 200 people when the mob was stopped at Satnala. After an hour, thousands of people gathered in the area with their traditional weapons from the adjacent villages.

“We could not open fire as women and kids were leading the rally. We fired tear-gas shells, but to no avail. So we resorted to lathicharge,” added the official.

Asit Mahato, convener of PCAPA, said: “We were going to the police station to submit a deputation. It was a peaceful rally. But the police opened fire on us.”

“Two of our women activists were shot at and they have been admitted to Ranibandh Hospital. In protest against the firing, we have decided to continue the blockade in three districts for an indefinite period,” added Mahato.

The tribals demanded the release of the 16 people arrested in connection with the attack on the police team and the killing of one policeman in Barikul on January 25.

Amiyo Patro, secretary of CPM district committee, said: “After the police tightened their grip on west Midnapore district, the Maoists have started shifting to Purulia. The police patrolling in the area is not very regular, which works out to be an advantage for the Maoists.”

Bandwan attack: Cops fail to enter Kumra
The Purulia police failed to enter Kumra village in Bandwan where locals had allegedly attacked a police team on Sunday. The tribals closed the roads by pulling down huge trees to prevent the police from entering the village.