The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday began investigations in Nandigram by collecting evidence and talking to residents to ascertain the circumstances that led to police firing in which 14 persons were killed.

A three-member CBI team from New Delhi, along with local officers, reached the violence-hit villages, about 175 km from Kolkata, on Friday morning and launched their inquiry.

The team's first stop was Khejuri village from where it moved in to Sonachura, Bhangabera and Adhikaripara, it was learnt.

The CBI team collected evidence of the police firing and tried to find out the circumstances that led to the clash between villagers and the police.

They spoke to villagers with bullet injuries asking them about the details of the happenings on Wednesday when thousands resisted the police from entering their villages.

They asked the villagers the details of the developments that led to the standoff and arms used by both sides.

They also collected evidence like bullet marks on mud-built houses and missiles, which were used on the day and lay in the fields.

Earlier, the investigating agency registered a Preliminary Enquiry to probe the circumstances that led to violence at Nandigram. It was learnt that the CBI team would spend a few days in the area collecting evidence and recording statements of the people to prepare its report for submission to the Calcutta High Court.

The CBI swung into action a day after the High Court had on Thursday directed it to immediately visit the troubled areas and collect all evidence of firing by the police.