Attempt on life of Jyoti Basu

PATNA, March 31 (UNI)—The Marxist leader and former West Bengal Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Jyoti Basu, escaped an apparent attempt on his life at Patna railway station on his arrival from Calcutta this morning. An unknown assailant shot at Mr. Basu when he was coming out of the platform. The bullet hit Mr. Ali Imam, a local insurance agent and Marxist sympathiser, who was beside Mr. Basu. Mr. Ali Iman died on his way to hospital. The Hospital Superintendent told UNI that the wounded man was brought dead to the emergency ward. The doctors unsuccessfully made efforts for half an hour to resuscitate him. About 100 workers had gone to receive the Marxist leader at the railway station. As Mr. Basu’s admirers surged forward to give him a tumultuous reception, a shot was heard and Mr. Ali Imam, aged about 45 years, was seen slumping on the platform, profusely bleeding. The alleged assassin disappeared in the melee and is reported to be still at large. A first information report has been lodged with the Railway Police. The assailant is said to have used a country-made gun, according to CPI (M) sources. The Railway Police is reported to have seized a car parked near the station “in suspicious circumstances.” The driver was taken into police custody. The police also took possession of the car of Mr. Ali Imam. The police later announced that they had taken into custody one Surendra Prasad on suspicion. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has conveyed to Mr. Jyoti Basu her relief at his escape from the attempt on life. In a message, sent through the Chief Secretary of Bihar, Mrs. Gandhi said: “Shocked at the news of the attempt on your life. Relieved to learn you escaped unhurt. Please give my sympathies to the family of Shri Imam. Method of political terror needs to be severely condemned and curbed”.