Sources in the police attribute this to a strong security presence in Belpahari and Lalgarh. There are seven camps of the joint security forces in Lalgarh and nine in Belpahari but Jhargram on the other hand has only three camps. Similarly, there is also only one camp of security forces in Jamboni.

Quoting statistics, the sources said, that around 50 CPM local leaders and supporters were killed around Jhargram in the last two months, while there was no casualty in Lalgarh, considered a Maoist stronghold and which had been wrested by the joint forces earlier this year.

“As there are many camps of the joint forces in and around Belpahari and Lalgarh, the Maoists are not able to operate there and are shifting to areas around Jhargram,” said a senior police officer.

Asked why Jhargram, the officer said Jhargram’s proximity to neighbouring Jharkhand was one of the main reasons. “The Maoists can slip away into Jharkhand easily after committing a crime and it involves time and legal problems for the West Bengal Police to follow them across the border,” the officer added.

The top Maoist leader, Kishenji, however told the PTI over phone that they were not shifting their bases. “We are not shifting base anywhere. We are always with the people. We will stand by the people anywhere,” said Kishenji.

Challenging the joint forces, he said: “We are at war with the state and have our own strategy. The government is well equipped with police, central force and intelligence network. Let them catch us.”