Fresh violence in Nandigram

Nandigram, May 12 (UNI) A day after panchayat elections in five districts of West Bengal, fresh violence and clashes between CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress supporters were reported today from several parts of East Midnapore district, including Hajrakata, Hossainpur, Adhikaripara and Simulkunda villages.

Two people were injured at Hossainpur village and several shops in Hajrakata market were allegedly looted this morning following a clash between CPI(M) and BUPC activists.

Clashes between CPI(M) and Trinamool supporters were also reported from Adhikaripara near Gokulnagar. The Trinamool workers alleged that CPI(M) activists had abducted their party candidate for the Gokulnagar Panchayat Anangamohan Bijli.

They further alleged that their men were assaulted by CPI(M) cadres in Simulkundu village and about 200 villagers had fled to the Mahespur camp this morning following the post-poll violence.

People here alleged that neither the CRPF nor the state police arrived at the areas of conflict to provide security to them.

Yesterday CPI(M) MP Lakshman Seth had filed an FIR against CRPF DIG Alok Raj accusing him of assaulting two women. However, Alok Raj termed these allegations ''baseless'' and described them as ''nothing more than attempts to put pressure on me''.

Mr Seth also accused Alok Raj of going beyond his jurisdiction while supervising security during the polling.

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