50 injured in clashes between AITC

Cooch Behar, Apr 29 (UNI) At least 50 people were injured, twelve critically, when supporters of Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) clashed in Cooch Behar's Natkatigach area under Toofanganj police station this evening.

Twelve people, who had been critically injured have been admitted to Toofanganj hospital here. At least five people are now in the operation theatre for severe wounds.

All India Trinamool Congress District President Rabindranth Ghosh alleged that CPI(M) activists attacked a meeting of their candidates with sharp weapons and wounded many of them.

On the other hand, CPI(M) District Secretary Chandi Pal said, ''Trinamool members attacked our peaceful campaign rally and wounded a large number of our suppotrers.'' Police, however, refused to comment anything in this regard, stating that they will be able to provide information only after conducting a thorough investigation.

SP Anil Kumar said RAF personnel have already been deployed and raids are being conducted. Tension still prevails in the area but the situation is under control, he said.

UNI XC LL RN/NY VC2115