Protest rally turns violent, police lathicharges BUPC workers

Nandigram, Jul 29 (UNI) A protest rally, organised by BUPC workers here today, turned violent after the protestors resorted to firing and police lathicharged the agitators.

Police said the Bhoomi Uchched Pradirodh Commitee (BUPC), led by Trinamool Congress leaders, had organised a rally from Reapara to Nandigram. However, as the rally approached the zonal CPI(M) office, there was firing and bombs were pelted from both sides.

Police force was immediately despatched to tackle the situation and they resorted to lathicharge, injuring 50 Trinamool workers, police added.

Superintendent of Police of East Midnapore G Srinivasan said, ''The situation in Nandigram is tense at present. Huge police contingent has been despatched to control the situation. However, no arrest has been made so far.'' TMC MLA Shishir Adhikari alleged that CPI(M) workers had first resorted to firing and then stareted pelting bombs, compelling them to retaliate. He also alleged that about 150 Trinamool workers were injured in the lathicharge.

However, CPI(M) leaders alleged that BUPC workers damaged their zonal office adding that Maoist elements were also involved in the rally.

Meanwhile, about 5,000 villagers gheraoed Nandigram police station in protest against the lathicharge.

UNI