Barrackpore (North 24 Parganas), February 5 In a major development, Maoist posters were found in the outskirts of Kolkata, specifically in the Rahara area. The posters, which appeared on Tuesday night, were plastered across crowded locations near Khardaha Railway Station.
Following an alert, Barragepur Commissionerate Police swiftly responded, removing the posters and launching an investigation. Early Wednesday morning, Rahara Police conducted a raid at a residential premises, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals, including a female Maoist leader. During their arrest, the suspects raised slogans, further confirming their affiliation with extremist ideologies.
Maoist Presence in Kolkata’s Outskirts?
According to police sources, the arrested individuals are linked to North Bengal, and authorities are currently interrogating them to uncover their motives and future plans. The sudden appearance of Maoist-related propaganda near Kolkata has raised security concerns, prompting heightened surveillance in the region.
What Did the Posters Say?
The posters accused the government of oppression against revolutionary farmer militias in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
They called for resistance against alleged state atrocities and urged people to support Maoist movements.
The message also advocated strengthening rebel uprisings in regions like Bastar and Abujhmad, referring to the ongoing insurgencies in Maoist-affected zones.
How the Posters Were Put Up
Eyewitness accounts and local intelligence reports suggest that on Tuesday night, four individuals descended from a train at Khardaha Railway Station, pasted the posters on various walls, and quickly boarded another train before drawing much attention.
The calculated and organized manner in which these posters appeared has intensified security measures, with authorities scrutinizing CCTV footage and station logs for further leads.
Police Investigation & Security Measures
Immediate action Posters were removed, and investigations began overnight.
Seven arrests made Interrogation underway to determine their objectives.
Heightened surveillance Police are monitoring railway stations, bus terminals, and sensitive locations for potential Maoist activity.
Security beefed up Additional forces have been deployed in the North 24 Parganas district to prevent further incidents.
The Rahara Police Station continues to interrogate the arrested individuals, while intelligence agencies are examining possible Maoist networks operating in the region.
Political and Security Implications
The emergence of Maoist propaganda so close to Kolkata raises significant questions about:
The resurgence of Maoist influence in urban Bengal
Potential sleeper cells operating in the suburbs of Kolkata
The spread of extremist ideology through digital and physical propaganda
Authorities believe that the individuals arrested may have connections with Maoist strongholds, and further crackdowns could be imminent.
Final Thoughts: A Growing Concern for Bengal’s Security?
The sudden emergence of Maoist propaganda in Kolkata’s outskirts signals a potential security threat that authorities cannot afford to ignore. While Maoist activity in West Bengal has diminished over the years, incidents like these suggest an attempt to revive ideological influence in urban and semi-urban areas.
Maoist Posters Appear Near Kolkata, Seven Including Female Leader Arrested in Rahara
