EC probing raids on CPI(M) offices in Keshpur

New Delhi, Apr 6 (UNI) The Election Commission is probing the role of its observer following police raids on CPI(M) offices at Keshpur constituency in Midnapore district after reports said that arms and ammunition had been stored there.

Two deputy election commissioners Mr Anand Kumar and Mr R Balakrishnan, who are already at the troubled spot have been asked to submit their report immediately after their return to the national capital, sources said today.

The EC ordered an inquiry into the incident after raids were carried out following a complaint by local Trinamul Congress leaders. The party had alleged that the CPM had hidden arms and ammunition in various parts of Keshpur, about 160 km from Kolkata.

Keshpur had been the centre of bloody CPM-Trinamul clashes between 1998 and 2001 as both parties fought tooth and nail to retain their control on the area. About 120 people were killed and over 2,500 houses burnt down. Over 10,000 political activists fled their villages. UNI SU SB BD1607