One person was killed and 25 others were injured, including 18 security personnel, when a clash broke out between joint forces and Maoist-backed People's Committee against Police Atrocities supporters at Chunapara in West Midnapore district on Thursday.
Police fired several rounds after a group of people, mostly comprising PCPA supporters, attacked the security force, which went to the area at around 3:30 am on tip off that some Maoists were holding a meeting, ASP Mukesh Kumar said.
Three policemen, including the Officer-in-charge of the police station Uttam Debnath, were seriously injured as the mob attacked the security personnel with lathis, sharp weapons and bow and arrows, Kumar said. Even the OC's firearm was taken away as he fell to the ground bleeding, he said.
As the situation threatened to get out of control, the forces opened fire, the senior officer said, adding a total of 18 security personnel were injured in the mob attack.
The bullet-riddled body of a man was later recovered from the spot while seven villagers were injured, the ASP said.