Clashes break out in Malda College over students' union polls

Sporadic clashes broke out in two colleges in Malda district today over filing of nomination papers for the coming January 14 elections to students' union in the colleges, the police said.
Supporters and candidates of the CPI(M) students' wing SFI and Congress students' wing CP clashed with rival supporters of Trinamool Congress students' wing TMCP members in both Malda College and Gajole College.
In Gajole, CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu sustained injuries after he was alleged heckled by a section of TMCP supporters when and several Left Front and Congress workers were protesting against presence of outsiders inside Gajole College and assault of SFI and CP candidates in the hands of TMCP members during filing of nominations for the students' body polls.

Two policemen also sustained minor injuries as both sides resorted to brick batting, the police said.
Later on angry SFI and CP supporters blocked the National Highway 34 demanding arrested of the those guilty of spreading violence in the campus.
In Malda College, five students were left injured as clashes broke out between SFI-CP supporters and TMCP activists inside the campus during filing of nomination papers.
Agitated CP and SFI supporters led by Congress MLA Mostaqim Alam also blocked the NH-34 near Lotbari point disrupting vehicular traffic, the police said adding, both blockades were lifted.
Denying the presence of any outsiders during filing of nomination papers for the students' union elections, District Inspector of Colleges Apurba Chakraborty said "It was unfortunate that clashes broke out in two colleges even after the police and college authorities conducted thorough checking at the gates and only allowed students to enter the college premises. We have sought detailed reports from both colleges and steps will be taken accordingly.