Maoist posters calling for revenge surface in Bankura, police launch probe

Tension gripped West Bengal’s Bankura district after three posters bearing Maoist insignia were discovered in Taldangra early on Sunday. The posters, handwritten in red ink on white paper, issued threats against local panchayat leaders and called for revenge, triggering immediate action from the police.

Residents reported finding the first poster near the Taldangra police station, another close to the Trinamool Congress office, and a third near the home of the Bankura Zilla Parishad chief. Each poster carried the same message, referencing the deaths of Maoist leaders Kishenji, Sunil Mahato, and Rimil, while warning, "Now it is your turn," to local political figures.

Historically, Bankura’s dense forests had seen Maoist activities during the peak of left-wing extremism, but Taldangra had remained relatively untouched. The sudden emergence of such posters in the area has unsettled the local population, who had not encountered Maoist threats in recent memory.

Police officers quickly removed the posters and launched a full-scale investigation. However, initial assessments suggest skepticism about the posters' authenticity, with some officials doubting whether actual Maoist groups were involved.

The content of the posters also highlighted broader issues, including protests against the eviction of tribals from land, water, and forests. Police are now analyzing handwriting samples and checking local intelligence inputs to trace the source of the posters.

While authorities urge residents to remain calm, the resurfacing of Maoist-style threats — even if fabricated — has reignited fears in a region that had begun moving past its violent past.