Chhattisgarh attack: Three specific intelligence inputs on Maoists were shared, say sources

Sources say three inputs were shared between May 1 and May 23 that indicated the movement of Maoists in the area, including their Chhattisgarh head Aitu along with 25 others. But none of these intelligence alerts, sources add, translated into operations against the ultras. This is in contrast to earlier reports that there wasn't enough intelligence about the presence of Naxals in the Darbha valley in the state where the massacre took place.

State intelligence sources also say that Saturday's gruesome attack was carried out by at least 500 Maoists, double the number of what was earlier reported. The security personnel, sources say, proved to be no match for the Maoists who were armed with sophisticated weapons. A top source experienced in Maoist operations also said the terrain was tough and intractable and that thousands of personnel would be needed to secure the area.

The state government has suspended the Superintendent of Police of Jagdalpur where the Congress leaders were headed to before the attack took place. The Inspector General of Bastar district has also been transferred.

A preliminary review by the Home Ministry has revealed that the planning and preparations for the security of the Congress leaders was left to individual police stations in the area instead of senior police officials of the state. 

Chief Minister Raman Singh has called an all-party meeting on May 30 to tackle the Naxal menace in the state. Speaking to NDTV, Mr Singh had, on Monday, admitted to security lapses that allowed the Naxals to execute the audacious attack. (Read)

Earlier today, top Home Ministry officials held a review meeting with senior Chhattisgarh officials in Raipur where it was reportedly concluded that there is a need to intensify anti-Naxal operations and increase coordination between all affected states, including Chhattisgarh. Union Home Secretary RK Singh, who attended the meeting, ruled out the use of Army for anti-Naxal operations.

The Naxals have claimed the responsibility for the attack. In a four-page statement released to the media, they have blamed both the BJP and the Congress for their alleged "anti-people policies." (Read)

Rejecting their "explanation", Union Minister Jairam Ramesh today said the massacre was a "cold-blooded carnage." He also said, "Maoists are terrorists, they instill terror and fear."

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister has reportedly directed the police to provide Z-plus security to the families of the two murdered Congress leaders after reports that they were receiving threats from the Maoists.

Top Congress leaders have alleged that the BJP-led state government did not provide adequate protection to the Congress leaders who were attacked while they were returning from a rally in Sukma as part of their 'Parivartan Yatra'. Countering the claim, Chief Minister Raman Singh wrote a letter to the state Governor claiming that nearly 800 security personnel were deputed for the Congress rally.