Two CPI(M) workers killed in an intra-party clash

Dantan, West Bengal, Aug 17 (UNI) In all two CPI(M) activists were killed in a clash between two party factions here in West Midnapore district today.

Superintendent of Police R Rajshekharan said tension was brewing in the past few months when Alok Nandi was driven out of the party's Zonal Committee by the ruling faction.

Anil Pattanayek, another local leader, was appointed in his place by District CPI(M) secretary Deepak Sarkar.

Since then a series of clashes started between the two factions over the period.

This morning about 200 armed supporters of both groups clashed over the ownership of a particular piece of land in which Bijoy Manna of Alok Nandi faction and Asok Kapri of Anil Patyanayek group were killed.

Twelve supporters belonging to both groups were seriously injured and taken to Dantan Hospital, he stated.

None had been arested so far in this connection, he said.

Mr Sarkar, however, categoricaly ruled out the intra-party rivalry and said the clash occurred between his party worker and some villagers.

UNI