Maoists attack on bus leave CPI(M) supporters injured

West Medinipur, Dec 11: At least four CPI(M) supporters were injured when Maoist guerrillas attacked a chartered bus carrying some 60 partymen near Kantapahari under Lalgarh police station tonight, district Police Superintendent R Rajshekaran said.

The CPI(M) suporters were retuning home after attending a district party conference which was addressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Left Front Chairman Biman Bose at Kalaikunda.

The Maoists fired and hurled bombs at the bus when the vehicle was negotiating a curve. The vehicle collapsed onto its side under the impact of the blasts, Mr Rajshekharan said.

The four injured were hit by bullets, confirmed District Magistrate N S Nigam.

A big contingent of police rushed to the spot and started combing the area.

Hand written posters distributed by the Maoists said today's ''attack was in response to CPI(M) atrocities in Nandigram'', the SP said.

Lalgarh has been a den of Maoist activity for the last four years where at least 10 CPI(M) leaders were murdered by the outlaws.

UNI