Maoists trigger off landmine blast in Lalgarh ahead of Chidambaram visit

LALGARH - Suspected Maoists triggered off a landmine blast in Lalgarh in West Midnapore District on Saturday morning, ahead of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s visit to the region.

Lalgarh is considered a stronghold of the Maoists.

According to the police, the Maoists triggered off the blast on an isolated road near Bamal village, which is over four kilometers from Lalgarh.

There were no reports of casualties.

Police have launched a search operation in the region.

Chidambaram is currently on a two-day visit to West Bengal. He is expected to reach Kolkata on Saturday evening and visit Lalgarh on Sunday.

Chidambaram will hold a meeting with senior police and security officials and review ongoing anti Naxal operations in the state.

This is the first time that Chidambaram will be visiting a Maoist stronghold since the launch of “Operation Green Hunt.” (ANI)