Fierce gunfire rattled the Tekhali Bridge and adjoining areas of Nandigram on Saturday as hundreds of activists of the ruling CPI(M) and their counterparts in Farmland Eviction Resistance Committee (FERC)  fought a pitched battle, leaving four injured, police said.
More than an hour-long-clash that left panicky people run for cover, compelled the police to resort to firing in the air to quell the violence and disperse the rampaging groups, East Midnapore superintendent of police Anil Srinivasan said.
However, there is no report of any casualty in the firing.
Four people had been removed to Nandigram primary health centre with bomb splinter and bullet wounds sustained in the clash, police said. Three were also taken into custody.
The Tekhali Bridge which leads to Khejuri, a major base of the ruling CPI(M), witnessed heavy gunfight, leaving policemen stunned.
The gun battle was brought under control after armed policemen took up position and resorted to firing in the air.

Accusation
CPI(M) leader Ashok Guria blamed the fresh eruption of violence on the Farmland Eviction Resistance Committee activists who have been waging a battle against acquisition of farmland for the abandoned SEZ at Nandigram.
But the Farmland Eviction Resistance Committee leaders denied the allegation, saying that armed CPM cadres at Khejuri attacked the villagers at Nandigram. The Opposition Trinamool Congress, one of the main constituents of Farmland Eviction Resistance Committee, took out a big procession in the area on Saturday morning, triggering further tension in the area.

Concern
A delegation from the Kolkata Bar Council which visited Nandigram to distribute relief among the afflicted, expressed concern over recurring violence which is a setback to the peace process.
In a fresh flare-up on Friday, four policemen, including an enforcement branch inspector, were seriously injured in firing and bomb blast near Sonachura.
Thousands of people belonging to both the CPI-M and its opposition FERC have been living in camps since the March 14 police carnage at Nandigram.