Fresh violence in Nandigram, conflicting reports on casualties

In escalating violence in Nandigram where the CPM cadres had recaptured large areas, one person was killed and several others injured.

In escalating violence in Nandigram where the CPM cadres had recaptured large areas, one person was killed and several others injured on Saturday even as the police described the situation as ‘alarming’.

IGP (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said in Kolkata that one person, ‘possibly a BUPC supporter’, was killed in the firing and three others were injured in the violence on Saturday at Maheshpur in Nandigram.

However, Trinamool Congress leader Subhendu Adhikary, claimed that three bodies were found from Maheshpur area where at least 40 BUPC members were injured in a bomb attack and firing by CPM workers on a Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee procession.

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He alleged that some persons went missing and were believed to have been kidnapped by the CPM and taken away to Khejuri.

The IGP, however, maintained that the violence had stopped in the block though tension prevailed and the police were on patrol.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the police at the nearest outpost did not act to stop the violence and left the spot in a hurry.

All the injured were rushed to a local hospital and primary health centres.

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Socialist Unity Centre of India state Secretary Provas Ghosh claimed that six persons were killed and 50 others injured in an ‘armed CPM attack’ on the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee supporters at Maheshpur.

He alleged that CPM activists opened fire and hurled bombs at the BUPC procession as it was on its way to Tekhalibazar to protest ‘CPM onslaught on Nandigram people’.

“It seems that the violence is the last word of the government to restore peace,” he said.

He hailed West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s criticism of the CPM for recapturing Nandigram areas and flayed its state secretary Biman Bose’s caustic comments against him.