Man killed, another injured in factional fight ahead of polls

One person was killed and another one injured during clashes, stated to be between factions of a political party, in separate incidents in Malda district ahead of the panchayat polls, police said today.

Both the incidents occurred while selecting candidates of the panchayat election to be held early next month.

A 25-year-old man was shot dead in Kaliachak area last night when he was going past the area on a bicycle, police said.

He was caught in the cross-fire between two groups of a party and took a bullet in the head.

He was taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital from where he was referred to a Kolkata hospital, police said adding that he succumbed on the way.

Three persons were arrested in this connection, police said.

In another incident, one person was beaten up by members of his rival faction seriously injuring him in Manikchak area, police said.

The injured person was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital.

The police did not divulge the name of the political party involved in both the incidents.