By IANS,
Kolkata : A day after the violence-free panchayat polls in Nangdigram, the West Bengal area Monday reported fresh clashes as five Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activists were allegedly beaten up by Trinamool Congress supporters. The two sides reportedly also exchanged gun-fire.
“There were minor political clashes in some parts of Nandigram. But the situation is under control. There is no need to panic,” state Inspector General (law and order) Raj Kanojia told IANS Monday.
According to police sources, the clashes were reported from Balarampur and Garchakraberia areas of Nandigram.
“There were a few rounds of firing during a CPI-M-Trinamool Congress clash in Balarampur. Five CPI-M workers were allegedly beaten up by Trinamool supporters. Besides, a few members of the Bhumi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC – fighting against land acquisition) complained that their homes were ransacked by CPI-M workers. There were clashes at Garchakraberia too,” sources said.
The first phase of the three-phase panchayat polls in Bengal were held Sunday.
While all eyes were on Nandigram in apprehension of violence during the poll, the trouble-torn area remained unexpectedly calm.
The voters in the two blocks of Nandigram number about 176,000.