Political Tensions Rise in Siliguri After Minor Girl's Tragic Death
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 24 (NationPress) Amidst the ongoing visit of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to North Bengal, Siliguri is engulfed in chaos following the tragic and unnatural death of a minor girl.
Local MLA and BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh initiated a sit-in protest demanding justice for the young victim.
In response, Siliguri Mayor and Trinamool candidate Gautam Deb visited the grieving family on Tuesday, urging the Siliguri Police Commissioner to take swift action.
The police revealed that the girl's private tutor, a resident of Ward No. 1 in Siliguri, had been persistently making advances towards her.
This tutor, who is a married individual with two children, allegedly subjected the girl to intense emotional distress after she rejected his advances.
Overwhelmed by the pressure, the girl tragically took her own life by hanging herself in her home.
Unrest broke out in the locality on Tuesday morning as the news spread. The tutor's residence was first vandalized by angry locals.
Following this, residents initiated a road blockade at Siliguri Junction.
BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh sat in protest, calling for the immediate detention of the accused.
Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also marched towards the Siliguri SDO office, causing yet another road block.
The police faced challenges in controlling the situation, with protesters even throwing bangles at them in a show of dissent. The unrest escalated to the point that the administration had to deploy central forces.
Meanwhile, Mayor Gautam Deb visited the minor girl's household and contacted the police commissioner to ensure the prompt arrest of the accused.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently campaigning in North Bengal for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Shankar Ghosh criticized the worsening law and order situation in West Bengal, stating: “The police remain dormant in various instances. Their inaction has allowed the accused to evade justice. There are evident gaps in the investigation. We will not accept this. That's why I've halted all political activities and staged a sit-in for the arrest of the perpetrator. I will not leave this spot.”
In response, Gautam Deb remarked, “As the Mayor, I’ve made it clear to the police that there is no place for politics here. I will not comment on the sit-ins. However, I have communicated with the police and demand harsh punishment for the offender.”