CPI(M), Trinamool supporters clash in Coochbehar, 50 injured

Coochbehar, Aug 20 (UNI) At least 50 people, including police personnel, were injured during a clash between CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress supporters in the district today.

A scuffle broke out between the rival parties after they organised separate rallies respectively in support of and protesting against today's 24-hour nationwide strike called by Left-wing Central Trade Unions.

The agitators also pelted stones on the security personnel, leaving four policemen, including the additional IC of the Kotwali police station, injured. The irate mob also damaged a police vehicle.

Among the injured, 22 people, including a local Trinamool leader, were admitted to the Toofanganj Sub-Divisional Hospital while two of them were shifted to the Coochbehar District Hospital in serious condition.

Police said 17 supporters of both the parties had been arrested so far.

Kotwali police station IC Gautam Ghosal said an investigation had been initiated to probe into the matter, adding that a manhunt was launched to nab the rest.

Meanwhile, a similar scuffle broke out between the rival parties at Kashirbari under Bakshirhat police station, leaving nine injured.

The Trinamool supporters also gheraoed the local party office of the CPI(M).

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