Post poll clashes break out in Nandigram

Armed clashes between Trinamool Congress and CPM forced 500 villagers to take shelter in Nandigram.

Armed clashes between Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) in the aftermath of yesterday’s panchayat poll, forced 500 villagers to take shelter near the BDO’s office here on Monday.

Both the Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M) charged each other with instigating violence, ransacking houses and kidnapping rival supporters.

Bombs and guns were used in the clashes, with East Midanpore Superintendent of Police S Panda saying that he was ‘aware’ of the situation.

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At Baruni, where polling was cancelled at a booth yesterday following booth capturing, there were early morning clashes between the TC and marxist supporters.

Trinamool Congress leader Abu Taher claimed that five TC supporters were injured in the clash.

CPI(M) leader Ashok Guriya, on the other hand, claimed that five of his party supporters were injured. Of them two were admitted to Tamluk hospital and three to Reahpara hospital. Six houses of CPI(M) supporters were also ransacked, he claimed.

The Trinamool Congress leader said three party supporters were injured in clashes at Balarampur this morning and were admitted to Nandigram hospital.

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Eight persons were injured, five kidnapped and five houses and a shop were ransacked since last night, he said.

He also alleged that five houses at Kalicharanpur an one shop at Hajrakata were ransacked by CPI(M) supporters.

Five Trinamool workers were kidnapped at Ahikaripara, but three of them were released later, Taher said.

About 500 people, who had returned home with the help of the administration on the eve of the election, were again compelled to take shelter near the BDO’s office, he said.