1 killed, 3 cops injured in clash with miscreants at Sandeshkhali

Kolkata: A village police personnel identified as Biswajit Maiti was killed, while three policemen including a sub-inspector received bullet injuries following a clash with local anti-socials at Sandeshkhali in North 24-Parganas on early Saturday morning.

The injured policemen, including the second officer of Sandeshkhali police station, have been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata and their condition is stated to be critical. The police have subsequently arrested two persons, identified as Kedar Sardar and Laltu Sardar, for their involvement in the matter.

Acting on prior information that some criminals had gathered in the neighbourhood of Fullara crematorium area, a police team from Sandeshkhali police station headed by Arindam Halder reached the spot on Friday night.

Seeing the police team approach the area, the miscreants opened fire, injuring the four policemen who fell on the ground. A large contingent of policemen soon arrived at the spot and rescued the victims. They were taken to a local hospital and then taken to Kolkata, where they were admitted to a private hospital.

Taking advantage of the situation, the miscreants fled after creating panic in the area by hurling bombs. The police subsequently picked up some local people.

People said local tough Kedar Bidhan and his henchmen were behind the incident. They have reportedly been extorting money from local businessmen and residents. Despite repeated complaints, the police did not take action against him, it was alleged.

A strong police picket has been posted in the area and a massive hunt is underway for those involved in the incident.

Trinamool Congress North 24-Parganas district president Jyotipriya Mallick said that

the arrested persons were CPI(M) workers and had joined BJP before the Lok Sabha election.

"BJP is trying to create trouble in the area. On Friday, Trinamool Congress supporters had organised a programme, where BJP supporters beat up two Trinamool activists who have been admitted to the hospital," he said, adding that the administration will take stringent action against the persons involved in the incident.