150 companies of paramilitary to be deployed

At least 150 companies of central paramilitary forces are being deployed in Bihar by tomorrow following reports that political parties could enlist the support of Naxalites in the Assembly polls, beginning next month. Out of the 150 companies, 75 belong to the BSF, 65 to the CRPF and 10 companies belong to the ITB.

Home Ministry sources said the Election Commission and security agencies have expressed apprehension that the support of the Naxals could be enlisted, as the elections ‘‘would be keenly contested’’. Out of 40 districts of Bihar, about 32 are Naxalite-affected.

In the first phase of polling — slated for October 18 — at least five of the 10 districts that go to polls are Naxal-infested. Among these Jehenabad, Aurangabad Gaya are considered to be Naxalite strongholds.