In West Bengal, a day after four EFR jawans were gunned down by Maoists at Gidhni bazar in West Midnapore district, fierce gunbattles took place between the ultras and security forces in three places of the trouble-torn district today.<br/><br/> Home Secretary, Ardhendu Sen told reporters in Kolkota that the encounter continued for three to four hours. However, there was no casualty.<br/><br/> He said eight persons were killed in the Maoist belt in the last three days. The Home Secretary also said that 3,500 new constables would be appointed all over the state.