BUPC, CPM workers clash in Midnapore: 17 injured

Khejuri, Aug 12 (UNI) At least 17 people were injured today following a clash between CPI(M) and the BUPC workers at Janka in East Midnapore district.

Police said a scuffle broke out between supporters of Bhumi Uchhed Protirodh Committee (BUPC) and CPI(M), after rallies brought out by them crossed each other near Janka Adarsha Vidyapith at 1230 hours.

Bullets were also exchanged in which 17 people were wounded.

The injured had been admitted to the hospitals at Khejuri and Tamluk where seven of them were stated to be in a critical condition, the sources added.

SP(East Midnapore) S S Panda had already rushed to the spot with a large police contingent and held a meeting with the supporters of both the factions.

BUPC convenor and Trinamool Congress MLA Sishir Adhikary alleged that some motorbike-borne gangsters had been creating terror at Singhpara in Khejuri for the past few days.

He claimed that the miscreants had also been physically assaulting the Trinamool Congress supporters and destroying their dwelling units.

Protesting this, the party supporters had gheraoed the office of SP (East Midnapore) at Tamluk, demanding restoration of law and order in Khejuri and Nandigram.

On the other hand, CPI(M) zonal committee secretary at Khejuri Ashok Guria alleged that after conquering Nandigram, the Trinamool Congress was trying to spread its domination in the areas neighbouring Khejuri.

After the clash, a group of irate mob reportedly torched three motorcycles belonging to CPI(M) activists.

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