Two Malda policemen shot at

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 10 DEC: Criminals shot at two policemen after the latter arrested three criminals of a CPI-M leader Mr Asadullah Biswas's gang at Majampur in Kaliachak police station this morning. A police constable Mr Abu Taleb was gravely injured in the shooting while a home guard Mr Shabir Ali sustained minor injury. According to the Malda SP Mr Bhuban Mandal, Mr Taleb is now out of danger following a surgery in Malda district hospital.“The police arrested several persons including three wanted criminals Kamal Sheikh, Rafique Sheikh and Mintu Biswas. I have asked the additional SP and the DSP to take stern action against the criminals, who have turned the Majampur area into a combat zone. “Additional forces have been deployed in the area after the attack on the police,” the SP said.It is learnt that the police have launched a combing operation in the Majampur area and detained 15 persons today. According to the police, of the three arrested persons, Mintu is Asadullah's brother and right hand man. His arrest led to the attack on the police. Claiming that the situation was under control in the Majampur area, the SP said: “Trouble broke out yesterday after criminals led by a Congress supporter Tuhur Biswas attacked a 60 year-old man at Narayanpur village while another group led by Asadullah Biswas set some huts on fire and shot a 28 year-old man despite police presence and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Cr PC in the area.The SP has instructed an inquiry into the incidents despite police presence and the ASP Mr Kalyan Mukherjee is preparing a report on the situation and if found guilty with dereliction of duty, some policemen could be suspended, it is learnt. A turf war has been going on the Majampur area for the past few months and the police have not been able to arrest the kingpins. “Some criminals could have been arrested during yesterday's incidents had those on duty been more serious,” the SP said.

Seven hurt in train accident

MALDA, 10 DEC: At least seven persons were injured when a Katihar-Malda passenger train rammed into a tractor at a level crossing at Barduary near Harishchandrapur station this morning. The injured were admitted at the Malda district hospital. A railway staff was suspended. ;SNS