Kolkata, March 21 (IANS) Maoists triggered landmine blasts and exchanged fire with the joint security forces in two separate incidents in West Bengal’s Bankura and West Midnapore districts Sunday, police said.
Maoists, hidden in the jungles, fired on a security forces’ team conducting a raid in Lakshmanpur village under Lalgarh police station of West Midnapore. The raid followed a landmine blast triggered by the rebels Saturday.

The security personnel returned the fire and the gun-battle continued for half an hour till the ultras fled the area, police sources said.

No one was arrested.

The other incident took place at Telijat village under Bankura’s Sarenga police station area.

The Maoists exploded two landmines and fired on a security forces team visiting the village to set up a new camp to replace the one at nearby Bhalukchira, which had been withdrawn after the Feb 15 Maoist attack at Silda.

The exchange of fire continued for over two hours before the ultras withdrew, the sources added.

The Maoists are active in about 30 police station areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.