Nandigram villagers attacked

By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Kolkata, May 8: Soon after the CRPF escorted homeless villagers back to their homes, they had to face the wrath of the CPI(M) supporters. To top it all, a top leader of the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee, Shoam Kazi, who is also an election candidate, was abducted with two of his associates by the bike-bahini on Thursday night. Protesting against this incident, Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee stormed into the SP East Midnapore’s office and went on a "standing" dharna demanding action against the bike-bahini. Ms Banerjee, along with chairman of Contai Municipality Shishir Adhikari, refused to be seated and demanded immediate action against the "terror of the bike-bahini." "I will not sit till the CPI(M) party ends this reign of terror in Nandigram," Ms Banerjee said.

"This cannot go on for long. Now the CPI(M) party supporters are threatening innocent villagers openly. What has the police done so long?" said Ms Banerjee, demanding an explanation from SP East Midnapore S.S. Panda.

It all started half an hour after seven homeless villagers were rehabilitated at their home in Garchakraberia when bombs were being hurled at them, allegedly by the CPI(M) party cadres. There were reports of firing as well. It was during this period that Shoam Kazi happened to cross the road on his motorcycle. Sources revealed that he got down from his bike and tried to protect the villagers. However, before he could help others, a gang of bikers with red flags rushed towards Mr Kazi and abducted him on his bike. Two locals were also abducted.

As soon as the CRPF were informed, they rushed to the spot and recovered Mr Kazi’s bike.