Maoists trigger blast in Purulia,jawan injured

According to the locals,the mine was planted in the ground just a few metres outside the school,with a red banner attached to the ground with the help of two sticks warning people of the atrocities committed by the CPM and police and asking them not to vote.

When the locals who had lined up to vote brought it to the notice of the paramilitary forces,Kumar tried to remove the banner and the landmine went off injuring him. Kumar sustained injuries in his head,neck and legs and has been admitted to the Purulia Sadar Hospital.

Locals claimed that the banner had been there since the last three days,but the police did not notice it. According to the villagers several such banners or flags can be seen in the adjoining areas and the police have not noticed them either.

The Adivasi Mulbasi Committee,a tribal outfit in Purulia,has asked people to boycott the elections. Following the incident very few voters turned up at the polling stations in three of the seven Assembly segments — Balarampur,Joypur and Baghmundi.

Sitting MP and Forward Bloc candidate from Purulia parliamentary constituency,Narhari Mahato,said that despite attempts Maoists have not been able to stop people from voting.

On the other hand,Congress candidate Shantiram Mahato claimed that due to the Maoist threat voter turnout was low.