Demanding released of a Naxal leader, hundreds of Maoist-backed tribals today tried to storm a police station but were pushed back by police personnel who fired in air in West Midnapore district today.
At least 1500 tribal men and women from Chanapara, Bhetli, Jaipur, Barobigha, Jaljali, Rasua and Indrabani villagers gathered at the Sardiha railway station near Banstala and marched to the Manikpara police station that had been cordoned off by joint forces.
Police fired warning shots after teargas and lathicharge failed to disperse tribals belonging to the Maoist-backed People's Committe against Police Atrocities, official sources said.
The tribals were demanding unconditional release of PCPA leader Basudeb Mahato who was arrested early this month for having links with Maoists and a halt to alleged 'police atrocities'.
Police detained 12 tribals, they said.
Meanwhile, Maoists last night set ablaze a CPI-M party office at Bachurdoba here. Furniture and documents were destroyed in the blaze.
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