CPI-M, BUPC clash in Nandigram, five injured in baton-charge

NANDIGRAM: Activists of West Bengal's ruling CPI-M and a Trinamool Congress-backed group opposing the acquisition of land for industry clashed here on Sunday, prompting police to carry out a baton-charge that left five persons injured.

Superintendent of Police GA Srinivas said police rushed to a CPI-M office near the bus stand here after learning that party activists and supporters of the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee were hurling bombs at each other at the spot.

Five persons were injured in the baton-charge, Srinivas said but declined to give their political affiliation.

The Rapid Action Force was deployed in the troubled area, which has witnessed recurring clashes since January over the acquisition of land for a proposed chemical hub to be set up by Indonesia's Selim group.

The state government later declared that the chemical hub would not be set up in Nandigram.

BUPC convenor Sheikh Sukhian said trouble erupted on Sunday when a victory procession to celebrate the opposition winning seven of 26 seats in the Haldia civic body was going towards Nandigram police station from the BDO's office.

He claimed the procession was attacked by a group of 10 CPI-M activists who hurled three bombs. He also claimed 25 people were injured in the baton-charge.

The injured were taken to a primary health centre and given first aid, he said.