Lalgarh:
The Lalgarh offensive reached the final stages on Monday with the security forces entering Katapahari, the last bastion of the Maoists there.
Security forces say a major part of the operation is over. They have wrested control of the last Maoist stronghold without a shot being fired unlike the past few days.
However, the headache may not be over, the Maoist fighters are believed to have fled to neighbouring Purulia.
Forces had reached Katapahari that lies almost midway between the towns of Lalgarh and Ramgarh. They had marched from both Lalgarh and Ramgarh towns to Katapahari.
The roughly 12 sq km area in between also houses several tribal villages and security forces were worried that Maoists could put up human shields and make operations that much more difficult.
On the way from Lalgarh to Katapahari lies Amliya village, which is the home of Chatradhar Mahato, leader of the Peoples Committee Against Police Atrocities. If found, Mahato is likely to be arrested.
Home Minister on Lalgarh
Home Minsiter P Chidambaram speaking on the Lalgarh operations said that the district would be brought under control in three to four days.
"In a few days we will reclaim Lalgarh completely. The West Bengal government was struggling and I sent our paramilitary forces. Who over the past ten days have taken control of the area one by one," Chidamabaram said.