JAMSHEDPUR: Security forces on Thursday launched an extensive search operation in areas along the Jharkhand-West Bengal border a day after a CRPF constable was killed in an encounter with CPI (Maoist) rebels in Jhatipahari hills of East Singhbhum district The search exercise, from Jhatipahari hills to Bedo forest at Maheshpur, Ghatshila, aimed to track the movement of the wanted extremist Asim Mondal alias Akash, who is believed to be hiding in the jungles of Bengal. "A search operation is underway and there's not much to share at this stage," a DSP rank officer who is part of the operations said.Police sources said they have received information that a group of 13 rebels, headed by Akash, a member of the Maoist Coordination Committee, have visited the area frequently in the last few days. Police have received intelligence that Akash, wanted in the 2007 murder case of the then MP Sunil Mahato, is trying to regain Maoist's foothold in the region.SSP Anup Birthare said West Bengal police and paramilitary forces active in anti-insurgency operations on the other side of the border will also be involved in the mission to track down the fugitive rebel. "In some areas, we will require the cooperation of the Bengal police for a coordinated and synchronized operation to catch the extremists," he said.In the last two months security forces exchanged fire with suspected Akash squad in Kankadosa foothills in Dalma and Jhatiphari in MGM police station area on three occasions, but Akash managed to evade arrest.

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