Nandigram on edge after more clashes, ‘gangrape’

The CPI(M) top brass denied the rape charge and stated that the BUPC was creating tension. “The Trinamool-backed BUPC is levelling false allegations against us. None of our cadres is involved in any rape incident,” said Ashok Guria, district committee member of CPI(M).

BUPC leaders, however, alleged CPI(M) cadres were terrorising the area, attacking their men and raping women in a bid to impose their control before the panchayat polls in May. Sisir Adhikary, a TMC leader, said: “Since the panchayat elections are coming, the CPI(M) is trying to terrorise the villagers. They have declared that anyone filing nominations against them will be killed.”

Admitting that there had been sporadic incidents of violence, S Panda, district police superintendent of East Midnapur, said: “No complaint of rape has been lodged in Nandigram police station till now. We have information that the victim is admitted to SSKM hospital. When Nandigram police station receives a copy of her statement, a case will be registered.” The victim, a resident of Bijolipara in Gokulnagar, recently participated in a BUPC rally. According to her statement, seven to eight people came in on Friday night and beat up her husband. Two of them dragged her to a nearby paddy field and raped her.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of violence were reported from various parts of Nandigram, including Bhangabera, Sonachura and Garchakraberia. Gunfire was exchanged between armed BUPC activists and CPI(M) cadres at various places.