CPI-M workers set ablaze five houses

The houses which belong to supporters of the anti-land acquisition BUPC were set ablaze in a Nandigram village.

Five houses belonging to supporters of the anti-land acquisition Bhoomi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) were set ablaze allegedly by CPI-M activists at Khodambari village in Nandigram area on Thursday night, police said on Friday.

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This is the first instance of violence since the CRPF was deployed in the area about two months ago following "recapture" of the area by CPI-M and the forces were present at the village when the houses were set on fire.

Nandigram MLA Sisir Adhikari (TC) said local CPI-M activists had been threatening the BUPC members for the past few days and set afire their houses last night.

East Midnapore District Superintendent of Police S Panda said the fire was put out by the CRPF and the police but the extent of damage was yet to be known.

Police had been rushed to the village immediately after receiving complaints at Nandigram police station, he said adding there was no report of any casualty.

Police picket has been posted in the area, he added.