Police nabbed an alleged fake currency peddler at a village in Malda on Saturday but were attacked by residents who managed to take away the accused.

Two policemen and a civic volunteer were injured in the incident. The police have detained five persons so far for organising the attack on the force.

Sources said around noon, the team, led by officer in charge of Kumbhiara police outpost, Baishnabnagar, Tanvir Azad, went to Daulatpur village in Malda to nab suspected fake currency peddler Esarul Sheikh.

As soon as the police arrested Sheikh, some 20 people attacked the team. Azad, ASI Samir Singha and a civic volunteer were assaulted. The police had to retreat and the injured were taken to a hospital. The mob took away Sheikh.

Additional forces, deputed to the village, detained five persons. “We are in search of some others. Attacks on the police won’t be tolerated,” said Alok Rajoria, SP.

Feared drowned

Schoolboys Mrinal Mondal, 18, and Soumyajit Mondal, 17, bathing in the Ganga at Baishnabnagar in Malda, are feared drowned.