Maoist rebels made abortive attempts on CPI(M) and CITU leaders

Purulia, May 8 (UNI) Maoist rebels made two abortive attempts on the lives of a CPI(M) leader and CITU worker at Balarampur, about 50 kms from here, in the district last night, police said today.

CPI(M)'s Balarampur zonal committee member Gobardhan Majhi, resident of Padamdih and CITU leader Manjur Khan of Rasuldih escaped the attack as they were given protection by their followers.

Local villagers after being informed about the attacks took positioned with bows and arrows to foil the attack, police added. As the rebels arrived to target the leaders, local people and party workers chased them with bows and arrows.

The rebels fired at least five rounds before fleeing, said district Superintendent of police Ashok Kumar Prasad.

There had been no arrest in this connection so far.

Maoist ultras fled towards Jharkhand on motorcycles, police added.

In another incident, a coal trader, Yusoof Khan, of Neturia in Purulia was shot at by some unidentified gunmen today.

He was shot and wounded while jogging this morning near his resident at Neturia, about 60 km from Purulia town. He was first admitted to a private nursing home in Asansol and later shifted to Kolkata hospital when his condition worsened. police added.

UNI