KALPETTA: Police authorities have ramped up their vigilance efforts in Thalapuzha Kambamala near Mananthavadi in Wayanad due to the frequent presence of Maoists in the area. They have initiated three-level patrolling including drone surveillance at the border along with heightened vehicle inspections. Additionally, discussions are underway for joint operations and helicopter patrols in coordination with the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

In a recent incident towards the end of September, a Maoist attack occurred in Kambamala. A group of six armed people stormed the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) office. Initially, they entered the manager's cabin for discussions but later asked employees to vacate the premises before launching the attack. During the attack, computers, windows and furniture were damaged and the group left behind posters with messages advocating for liveable housing for estate workers, the removal of cancer-causing asbestos sheets and a call for liveable housing.

The police were alerted to the incident but by the time they arrived, the group had already fled the area. The estate divisional manager, Badusha promptly informed the police. Subsequently, a police team led by Mananthavadi DYSP PL Shaiju conducted a search in the surrounding forest area.

Following the attack, the group targeted surveillance cameras installed by the police in the vicinity. All six members of the group are male and Thunderbolt forces are currently stationed in the Thalapuzha region actively conducting searches including in the forested areas.