BJP MP Khagen Murmu discharged from hospital, gets ‘Y-plus’ category security after mob attack in Jalpaiguri

Murmu’s wife Manju Kisku told the media, “Doctors have asked him not to speak for the next two months. His jaw is badly affected, four of his teeth are still loose, and his vision is still blurred. He is under tremendous pain.”

Murmu, the Lok Sabha MP from Maldaha Uttar, and Shankar Ghosh, Siliguri MLA and the BJP’s chief whip in the Legislative Assembly, were allegedly chased and assaulted by a mob at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri during their visit on October 6.

Murmu sustained serious injuries when their vehicle was attacked. A mob of 500 people allegedly pelted stones and assaulted them with sticks and lathis. MLA Ghosh was discharged last week.

Following the attack, party sources indicated that Murmu’s security has been upgraded to ‘Y-plus’ status. ‘Y-plus’ security detail includes around 11 personnel, such as two personal security officers (PSOs) and a team of eight to ten commandos and police officers.

The Jalpaiguri police have arrested five people for their alleged roles in the assault. However, the BJP has accused members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack. However, the TMC has denied any involvement.

According to family sources, they will seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Following the mob attack, BJP leader Bijon Goswami had filed a petition in the High Court demanding a probe by central agencies. Stating that the West Bengal Police did not register the FIR on the charge of murder attempt, the BJP leader asked the court to transfer the probe to either the CBI or the NIA (National Investigation Agency).

The vacation bench of Justice Sampa Dutt at the Calcutta High Court ordered the state on October 14 to file a comprehensive report regarding the police inaction in the attacks on Murmu and Ghosh.