It's DIG vs MP in Nandigram, poll takes a backseat

IN THE LINE OF FIR-E: An FIR is lodged against a CRPF DIG even as Nandigram goes to polls.

      

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Keywords: CRPF , BUPC, Nandigram, CPM

Nandigram (West Bengal): Nandigram is once again on the edge. CPI-M has charged Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) DIG Alok Raj with dereliction of duty on a day when panchayat polls are underway in Nandigram.

CPI-M activists have told CNN-IBN that they lodged an FIR against Raj since he has not been able to control his personnel from harassing people in Nandigram. On Saturday night, two women were also reportedly injured in Sonachura.

A case has been filed in the Nandigram police station however no arrests have been made so far. But Raj said he has nothing to fear as he claimed he is being falsely implicated.

Refuting the charges, Raj told CNN-IBN, “I don’t care about false allegations. If there is an allegation let there be an independent enquiry. If I am guilty then I should be punished but if I am not then shame on the person or the system who filed the FIR.”

Raj also accused CPI-M MP Laxman Seth of threatening and blackmailing him. Raj admitted that an FIR was lodged accusing him, but he stressed he never touched anyone.

The DIG even has an alibi that at 1630 hours IST on Saturday he was at the police station in a meeting. He also said that he was never alone, and was constantly with local police personnel who are his witnesses.

Meanwhile, the local administration is on tenterhooks fearing another breakout of violence between the CPI-M and the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which is leading a campaign against farmland acquisition in the area.

Sporadic violence was reported in Nandigram as people queued up at polling booths.

There were reports of a skirmish at a booth in Kathua where polling has been halted because the name of the CPM candidate contesting from the area was incorrect.

Despite heavy security presence and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's assurances of peaceful polls in Nandigram, 15 people were reported injured and one person missing.

He had said, “Things have now radically changed. And in this changed situation I assure you there will be a totally peaceful election in Nandigram.”

But these words hardly matched the ground reality in Bengal's battleground. Least of all for Jahanara Bibi, who is among hundreds of BUPC activists rendered homeless and she blamed the local administration for the violence in Nandigram.

“The local administration is perpetuating violence. Something needs to be done about them first. They should be taught a lesson. If we die, we'd rather take a few policemen with us,” Jahanara Bibi said.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties alleged their candidates are under threat from the CPM cadre. Trinamul Congress leader Sheikh Abu Taher said, “They are issuing threats to our candidates and assaulting them. Our people are intimidated and have taken shelter in relief camps.”

However, the CPM's allegations are no different. A house of a CPM supporter in Aamgechhia was allegedly torched by BUPC activists and yet the Left claim things are under control.

"Flags of all parties are flying high. They are holding meetings just like us. The only difference is they are not able to attract people,” CPM leader Ashok Guria said.

Even with central paramilitary forces around, the administration is having a tough time in convincing refugees to return. An overriding sense of fear and suspicion has embraced the people of Nandigram. With people's faith in the administration steadily dwindling, a free and fair election seems to be a far cry on Sunday.

(With inputs from Utpal Adhikary and Kuntal Bikash Bhador)