Police foil arson bid at Tatas' Singur site

The police foiled a bid to set fire to some pillars on the fenced area of the acquired land for Tata Motors' small car project at Singur early this morning.

IGP (law and order) Raj Kanojia said three persons had tried to set fire to the wooden pillars but were chased away by the patrolling police.

There was not much damage to the pillars, Kanojia said, adding, this was the second attempt to damage the pillars after construction work by Tata Motors began on Sunday.

Security has been stepped up but no arrests could be made till 11 am. Prohibitory orders continue to remain in force, Kanijia said.

Trinamool Congress activists are spearheading the movement against the acquisition of about 1000 acres of farmland at Singur for Tata Motors' Rs 1,000 crore project to produce the 'Rs 1-lakh car'. Tata Motors officials were not immediately available for comment.