Three villagers killed in fire between police and Maoists in West Bengal

Jhargram (West Bengal): Three villagers were killed during exchange of fire between police and Maoists at Joynagar in West Medinipur district of West Bengal on Saturday late evening.

Maoists had called for a 24-hour shutdown in five states-West Bengal, Orissa, Chaatisgarh, Jharkhnad and Bihar in protest against firing which, they alleged, was done by a cadre of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at a Christmas fair for tribals near the Lalgarh region.

Acting on a tip off that supporters of the People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) and the Maoists had gathered in Joynagar area, personnel of the state police and paramilitary forces carried out a search operation resulting in the shootout.

In another incident in Medinipur city, a group of 20 to 25 Maoists set trucks and tractors on fire.

Police is yet to apprehend anyone in this case of arson. (ANI)