MP manhandled in clashes between rival puja committees

Barrackpore, Oct 25 (UNI) Barrackpore MP Tarit Baran Topdar was allegedly manhandled and six policemen were injured in a clash between two rival groups of Sankha Banik colony under Titagarh police station in North 24 Parganas this morning.

A group of angry party supporters physically pushed the MP, asking him to leave the place, when he tried to intervene and pacify the agitated mob, the eyewitnesses claimed.

The MP had, however, taken shelter in the Party's local Ghoshpara Branch office.

Observing the situation, reinforcement had been called from four nearby police stations, although the police termed the situation to be under control. Rapid action force had also been deployed.

Today's incident was a sequel of a trouble that triggered on the night of October 20 during the immersion processions brought out by two rival Puja committees of Sankha Banik Colony here, police said.

Police, however, intervened only this morning, after the situation had gone out of hand. Incidentally, rival group leaders of the uling CPI(M), including a councilor of Barrackpore municipality were also involved with the Puja Committees of the colony.

Altogether, eight people had been taken into custody so far in this connection, police reported.

UNI