Three killed in Nandigram blast

The bomb blast took place when a bandh was being observed in the area at the call of the organisation opposing land acquisition for industries.

Three persons were killed in a bomb blast in Nandigram on Sunday, when a bandh was being observed in the area at the call of the organisation opposing land acquisition for industries.

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Three persons, stated to be CPI(M) activists, were killed in the bomb explosion near the Left party's camp at Sherkhan Chowk in Khejuri area, police said.

The CPI(M) alleged that the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), spearheading the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram block of East Midnapore district, was behind the killing.

Party sources said the BUPC members allegedly hurled bombs in the camp killing three party activists.

Denying the charges, BUPC core committee member Sabuj Pradhan said the blast took place when the three were making bombs.

Tension ran high in Nandigram as the BUPC called bandh on Sunday in protest against the clash on Saturday in which one person was killed.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to visit Nandigram later on Sunday.