Nandigram: Tension after woman gangraped

Midnapore, Apr 19: Tension brimmed over in Nandigram's Gokulnagar today, after a woman was allegedly gangraped by CPI(M) activists late last night.

Reportedly, the incident was triggered by a scuffle between CPI(M) and Bhumi Uchhed Protirodh Committee(BUPC) activists, when the former had taken out a campaign rally for the panchayat elections here.

Later in the night, CPI(M) activists allegedly broke into the house of Radhakrishna Ari, a close associate of All India Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, and gangraped her.

The victim's husband was also beaten up by the goons. The due was initially taken to Nandigram hospital today.

Following this incident, violence broke out in the area, with rival party supporters clashing in parts of the district's Gokulnagar area.

When Mrs Ari's condition worsened, she was taken to Kolkata's SSKM hospital.

East Midnapore SP SS Panda said tension persists in the district with police and CRPF personnel patroling the area.

Presently, BUPC members were demonstating in front of Nandigram police station and hospital.

UNI