Two police officers injured in clash

Two police officers were injured during a clash that broke out between Trinamool congress and CPI(M) workers when candidates of both the parties went to file nominations at the office of SDO at Haldia in East Midnapore.

SDPO Tanmoy Bandyopadhyay and officer-in-charge (OC) of Sutahata police station, Shirsendu Das received injuries when they tried to bring the situation under control. On Friday morning CPI(M) candidate from Haldia Assembly constituency Tapasi Malick went to file her nomination with many supporters outside the SDO’s office shouting slogans. Before the CPI(M) workers had left the place, Trinamool Congress workers and leaders along with their candidate Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar reached the place to file nomination. The CPI(M) supporters were shouting slogans using loud speakers and “purposely” did not allow the TMC candidate to reach near the SDO’s office. Despite being urged to help make some space for the Trinamool Congress leaders, the CPI(M) workers continued shouting slogans. They didn’t even listen to the police and it led to the trouble. An altercation broke out when Trinamool Congress workers tried to make space for their leaders and it finally led to a clash. SDPO and the OC were trying to convince the CPI(M) workers to co-operate with them to maintain peace in the area when the clash broke out. They were injured after being pushed by some people in the mob. A large contingent of police was pressed to bring the situation under control. Both the police officers were taken to hospital where they underwent necessary treatment. Senior leaders of the political parties were also found trying to settle the matter. Finally, candidates of both the parties had filed their nomination amidst tight security. A senior police officer said that necessary steps will be taken to avoid repetition of such incident.