CPM, Trinamool cadres clash at Singur, 10 injured

Singur, Nov 2 (UNI) At least ten people were injured today when sporadic clashes erupted in various parts of Hooghly district as Trinamool Congress and CPM cadres attacked each other with lathis and stones.

Activists of the 'Nano Bachao Committee' raised a blockade near Ratanpur crossing on National Highway two to prevent entry of Ms Banerjee to Singur since this morning.

In retaliation, Trinamool workers torched the office of the Syndicate of construction material suppliers for the small car project following which clashes erupted at Ratanpur, Kolepara, Ghanshyampur, Bora and other areas near NH two, injuring at least ten people so far.

The supporters of the 'Nano Bachao Committee' also attacked Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Partha Chatterjee's convoy near Ghanshyampur as it was proceeding towards Singur for Ms Banerjee's rally.

Mr Chatterjee escaped with minor injuries but the agitators damaged his car completely.

Meanwhile, CPM cadres raised a blockade at Maitypara of Dankuni, about 25 km from Singur, and stopped Ms Banerjee's car.

However, the blockade was lifted after police intervention and the Trinamool chief was now proceeding towards Singur to address the public rally.

Huge contingent of security forces and senior police officials, including the Srerampore SDPO and Chandannagore SDPO Amitava Maity, were present on the spot to maintain law and order.

Police also lobbed teargas shells to disperse the mob.

Traffic movement on both the flanks of Durgapur Expressway remained disrupted since this morning as the protestors raised black flags and brandished placards saying 'Go Back Mamata'.

Ms Banerjee was scheduled to address a public rally at Khaserchowk Belatala on NH two, about one km from Ratanpur crossing.

UNI XC DPM RL HT1725