“We have been indicated that around 10 Maoists will surrender in next 2-3 days. Until they surrender to us, we cannot divulge their names to ensure their security,” said Manoj Verma, SP, West Midnapore.

Meanwhile, a villager was shot dead by suspected Maoists at Kutusgerai, a village near Dahijuri in Jhargram police station. According to sources, a group of armed Maoists attacked the villagers in the early hours. The incident occurred when a group of locals was guarding the village. Since the Maoists were armed, the villagers fled from the spot. The Maoists dragged out one villager, Bhairab Murmu, and shot him dead. His body was spotted by villagers in a nearby forest.

Protesting against the incident, the villagers blocked the road at Dahijuri in the afternoon.