Two suspected Maoists held near Mamata's home

MP |  25 July 2017   |  Kolkata Two suspected Maoists were detained on Monday morning from near the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kalighat. 

Sundari Singh Sardar and Sujata Singura claimed that they had come to surrender themselves as they wanted to return to mainstream. Despite their claims, suspicion was raised as firearms were recovered from them. 

On Monday morning, security personnel outside the residence of the Chief Minister found a man and a woman loitering suspiciously. They kept a watch on their movement and at the same time informed the Kalighat police station as the CM's residence comes under its jurisdiction.

Cops visited the spot and then took them to the police station. Both of them claimed to be residents of Baghmundi in Purulia. Senior officers from Kalighat police station contacted the city police's Special Task Force (STF). Officers from STF went to Kalighat police station and interrogated the duo.

Sources said they claimed to be involved in Maoist activities for the past several years. The police are, however, verifying their claims. After listening to them, the police feel that their main task was to pass on important information to their counterparts in Purulia. 

A police officer said they could have contacted the local police or senior cops in the district if they were so keen to surrender. 

"It has to be verified properly as to why they were loitering near the CM's residence and they thought it was the best place to surrender," said a senior police officer. 

It may be mentioned that the Maoists have lost their foothold in Bengal following the death of Kishenji and overall development by the Mamata Banerjee government in Jangalmahal areas. More than 300 Maoists including many top leaders had surrendered to return to the mainstream.