Three villagers were injured in clashes between CPM cadres and the Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) activists over the school committee elections scheduled to be held on March 31.

Since morning, incidents of clashes, arson and brick pelting were reported from Hazrakata, Chowringee Bazaar and Satengabari. Several shops were also reportedly ransacked.

“We reached the spot with the CRPF personnel, and brought the situation under control. A police picket has been posted in the area. Sporadic clashes were reported from other places as well. We have arrested about 12 people. Local police have been instructed to act in case of tension,” said SP S S Panda, East Midnapore.

Trouble started around 11 am when BUPC activists learnt that a group of CPM activists had gathered at Rajaramchak Vidyalaya near Chowringee Bazaar to chalk out plans for the school committee election.

After the meeting, when CPM activists were returning, BUPC workers intercepted them, leading to a clash.

The Nandigram police rushed to the spot and chased the mob away. But this intervention infuriated villagers who hurled stones at the police.

The situation was later brought under control. The injured were rushed to the Nandigram Sub-Divisional Hospital.

Later, in retaliation, three BUPC activists were severely beaten up by CPM supporters at Hazrakata.

A large number of activists raided shops of BUPC supporters and dragged them out with choppers in hands.

“They were mercilessly beaten up by CPM cadres. A medicine shop and a bookshop were completely damaged. The police arrived late, by then the attackers had fled. One of the victims is my son. Since the panchayat elections are drawing near, the CPM wants absolute control over the area and is, therefore, targeting our supporters,” said local SUCI leader Bhawani Das.

The injured have been identified as Manoj Das, Sumit Raut and Laloo Panda. “Panda was admitted to the Tamluk Hospital with hip fracture while Raut suffered severe brain hemorrhage,” said BUPC leader Abu Taher.

Ashok Guria, CPM district committee leader, said: “Bolstered by recent Trinamool and Congress rallies, the BUPC attacked our supporters. They are doing whatever they can to defend themselves.”

Minor clashes were also reported from Satengabari.