WB: 3 CPI-M leaders killed in poll violence

Three Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders died and seven others suffered injury in poll-related violence on Wednesday in West Midnapore and Burdwan districts of West Bengal.

Suspected armed Maoists shot dead CPI-M's Banspahari local committee member, Durgapada Deshwali (45) and Santosh Mahto (40) at Bhulabheda market in West Midnapore district on Wednesday evening.

The superintendent of police, West Midnapore, Manoj Verma said, "They died on the spot. Durgapada's brother, Palaram, suffered bullet injuries in his right leg after five Maoists shot them as they got down a bus and entered a tea stall."

"They were returning home at Bhulabheda village after attending a CPI-M leaders' meeting in Silda. Palaram limped home with his bleeding leg. A large contingent of police has rushed to the spot," Verma said.

The police said Maoist guerrilas chanted slogans and left Maoist posters at the spot before melting into Ukhuldoba jungle. According to the locals, the market worn a deserted look with all the shops downing shutters and panicked people rushing home.

Another CPI-M leader, Sairob Ali Dewan (40) was killed and 6 others injured in an attack allegeldy by the Trinamool Congress at Bontirgram village in Burdwan district.

The superintendent of police, Burdwan, R Rajasekharan said tension was brewing in the village, with bombing and shooting since Wednesday morning. A police picket was set up in the area, he said.

The injured persons were admitted at the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Local TC leader, Sadon Tah said Dewan died in a clash between two groups of CPI-M goons. They have been trying to terrorise people before polls, Tah added.