CBI team visits Nandigram

Dhananjoy Mondol, father of Bharat Mondol, one of the victims, described how unarmed villagers had gathered at Bhangabera Bridge to protest against the land acquisition, when 8220;the police unexpectedly started firing8221;.

Prithwish Das from Sonachura, one of the farmers injured in the incident, said he was shot in the hand and fell down near the Bhangabera Bridge. But the police, he said, continued beating him with batons even after he fell. The CPM cadres were helping the police, he alleged.

Another victim, Ashok Mondol, told the CBI that he was running away from the spot when the police shot him in the back.

Meanwhile, BUPC members carrying relief material to the Brajomohan Tiwari School refugee camp were allegedly beaten up by armed men. The incident occurred around noon near the Nandigram market, a stone8217;s throw from the camp. One BUPC member was injured.

Former US Attorney General Ramsay Clark also visited Nandigram today and spoke to BUPC members at the refugee camp.

Governor meets President

NEW DELHI: With both the controversies over Nandigram and Taslima Nasreen refusing to die down, West Bengal Governor Gopal Gandhi met President Pratibha Patil on Thursday to give his assessment of the situation. He also met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil.