Maoists to use poison against security forces in Bihar

After using deadly weapons, Maoists are working to make use of poisonous substances from wild plants against security forces in Bihar, police said Tuesday.

Bihar Police Deputy Inspector General (eastern range) Sanjay Singh said the intelligence reports have suggested that Maoists have been extracting poisonous substances from various wild plants. These can be used with lime to target security forces.

It is for the first time that such reports have been received by police in Bihar, he said.

Sanjay Singh said the reports pointed out that Maoists have been trying out different concoctions which can be used with food.

Maoists were reportedly working on wild plants found in abundance in the forest areas of Jamui, Munger and Banka districts. These districts are considered to be their stronghold.

A forest official in Jamui said Maoists have extracted poisonous substance from a plant called Bela found in the forest.

Taking note of the intelligence reports, an advisory has been issued to security forces deployed in Maoists affected areas, asking tghe troopers not to eat anything offered to them, not to eat at unknown places and to be sure that their food is not spiked with poison.

"An alert has been issued to police officials in this regard," he said.

According to police officials, people who are in-charge of mess and purchasing of edible items, have been asked to be careful. The food items purchased from markets would be monitored by senior officials.