BJP workers in showdown with cops

Kolkota: Political violence in Bengal took a dramatic turn as the state BJP, following a face-off with the police, prepared to cremate the bodies of the workers who died in Saturday's clash on the Basanti highway.

A funeral pyre is being built on the highway, with hundreds of workers gathering there.

The BJP has claimed that three of its workers have died in clashes at Nayjat, about 70 km from Kolkata, last evening.

Workers from the two parties had come to blows over the removal of party flags from public places. A Trinamool worker was shot and then hacked to death. Two BJP workers were killed - one of them shot through the eye.

The BJP wanted to take the bodies to Kolkata and arrange an elaborate ceremony on Monday to pay respects. But stopped by the police midway, they said they would hold the last rites on the highway.

The Centre issued an advisory expressing "deep concern" over the continuing political violence in West Bengal even after the end of the Lok Sabha elections.

"The unabated violence over the past weeks appear to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and inspire confidence among people," an informed source said, quoting the advisory.

"It is strongly advised to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility," it added. "It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in discharge of their duty."

Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chatterjee on Sunday accused the saffron outfit of disrupting law and order in the state by resorting to vandalism and murder.

"Let the people see who is resorting to bloodshed, violence and vandalism."