In Jharkhand, a joint operation will be launched against Maoists in bordering areas of five districts. State DGP Ajay Kumar Singh said this step has been taken in view of assembly elections in the state. Mr Singh said, intensive checking is being undertaken in sensitive areas of the state to nab outfits.

Meanwhile, illegal materials and cash worth over 57.67 crore rupees have been seized so far during search operation in different parts of the state since the announcement of the assembly polls. 19 FIRs have been lodged for violations of the model code of conduct.