Shutdown in three West Bengal districts

Kolkata, July 19 (ANI): As the three-day shut-down called by People's Committee against Police Atrocities began on Sunday, normal life was severely affected in three districts of West Bengal, officials said.

The bandh is being observed in Jangal Mahal region comprising tribal areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.

Though schools, colleges and offices were closed as it is Sunday, shops and markets remained shut and vehicles were off the road, the officials said.

Wanted chief of People's Committee against Police Atrocities, Chhatradhar Mahato, called the bandh to protest against "police atrocities on innocent people" for the past few months.

Life came to a standstill in Jhargram sub-division including Lalgarh, Salboni and Goaltor of West Midnapore district; Ranibandh, Simlapal, Sarenga and Khatra areas of Bankura; and Bandwan, Baghmundi, Balarampur and Barabazar blocks of Purulia district.

Mahato had sought moral support and cooperation of Left Front partners RSP and Forward Bloc to make the bandh a success.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is scheduled to attend several programmes in Purulia during the day.

The town of Purulia has been wrapped by a security blanket due to his visit.

Maoists have given another bandh call in the three districts on July 22. (ANI)