From News Dispaches CALCUTTA: The police fired 16 rounds and burst teargas shells Repeatedly to dispense two warring groups of CPI(M) and Congress (I) supporters who fought a pitched battle in the early hours of June 17 in the red light area of Prem Chand Boral Street under Munchipara police station limits of the city.
Though none was injured in the police firing, over 20 persons were injured in the skirmish in which soda bottle bombs and acid bulbs were freely used. The condition of three including two women were stated to be serious. They have been admitted to the Calcutta Medical College with severe bum injuries on having been attacked with acid bulbs.
According to the police a group of reportedly CPI(M) supporters
stormed the area at around 5:30 a.m. and attacked the house of the local Congress (I) councilor, Mr. Fapash Roy. A local Congress (I) office and a few shops were also made targets by the mob. Congress (1) workers soon retaliated and the two groups freely hurled bombs and acid bulbs at each other. A huge police force led by DC (Central). Mr. Rachpal Singh rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. While a strong police picket has been posted in the area no arrests have so far been reported.
The Union Home Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Ajit Panja and the Congress (I) MLA. Mr. Somen Mitra toured the area later during the day. Mr. Mitra alleged that the attack by CPI(M) supporters was unprovoked.
The area has been during the last one month witnessing frequent violent clashes between the Congress (I) and CPI (M) with both trying to establish their supremacy over the locality. Clashes were reported even on Thursday and Friday morning from Muchipara.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 23, 1989
