Patna/Kolkata/Ranchi, Nov 19: The banned CPI (Maoist) is observing a 48-hour shutdown in Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand today to protest against the violence in Nandigram.

All police stations across Bihar have been put on maximum alert in view of the shutdown call.

Security has been beefed up at all sensitive areas, including railway stations and bus depots in view of shutdown

Zonal Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police has been asked to maintain extra vigil on the activities of the Maoists.

The raids have already conducted by the Special auxiliary police and central Para military force in the Maoists dominated areas.

Additional forces have been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

In West Bengal, Maoist-affected Purulia, Midnapore and Bankura districts have been brought under a security net.

In Jharkhand, tight security arrangements have been made at all sensitive areas to check any violent incidents.

Instructions have been issued to all top police officials to take preventive measures during the shutdown. (ANI)