For the first time since the March 14, 2007 firing in Nandigram, the police opened fire at a group of Trinamool workers, killing one and injuring 14 others in a village in South 24-Parganas. Some among the injured are in a critical condition.

State Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen confirmed a Trinamool supporter had been killed in the police firing at Bhangar in South 24-Parganas. “Police opened fire in self-defence,” he said.

Trouble began in the morning when a group of CPM supporters gathered near Shaksahar village to protest against the price rise and alleged Trinamool-sponsored violence. The rally, party sources said, was actually a bid to push in party supporters who were ousted from the village since May 2009, during the Lok Sabha polls.

As CPM cadres entered Bhangar, tension broke out. Trinamool workers alleged the CPM cadres opened indiscriminate fire at them and hurled bombs. They claimed the police sided with the CPM cadres and fired tear gas shells before opening fire at them.

The CPM, however, denied the allegation. “Bombs were hurled on the police and the CPM men from a gathering of Trinamool supporters. They had a plan for violence today. After the circle inspector was injured by a bomb splinter, the police opened fire,” said Abdur Rezzak Mollah, the Minister for Land Department who is an MLA from South 24-Parganas. “In today’s case, the police played a positive role,” the minister added.

Sources said fearing mob fury against CPM cadres after the incident, Mollah informed the CM about the about police action and requested for reinforcement. “I met the CM in the afternoon and requested him for reinforcement. I also informed Bimanda (state CPM secretary Biman Bose) about the incident,” Mollah said.

... contd.