Tribals’ anger simmers in ‘calm’ Dooars

Trouble flared in Hashimara when ABAVP supporters gheraoed the Hashimara police outpost during a bandh called by them over alleged police inaction in a rape and murder case.

According to ABAVP leaders,an FIR was filed on April 1 against a local resident Ranjit Mochari for allegedly molesting a tribal woman,and for killing another tribal Sukra Oraon who had protested against the rape. FIRs had also been filed against the pradhan and an office-bearer of Kalchini Block Panchayat Samiti for trying to hush up the case. Based on the complaint,Mochari was arrested.

On June 6,the ABAVP set a deadline of 24 hours for the police to arrest the five others allegedly involved in the case. When the police failed to take action,ABAVP supporters gheraoed the outpost leading to clashes between them and the police.

Jalpaiguri Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar said the protesters did not have any idea about how a police investigation is conducted.

“The investigation has thrown up the names of five persons,but they are all absconding. The ABAVP demanded that we arrest their relatives instead. How can that be done? We arrested Mochari. In Monday’s incident DSP A S Darnal and Hashimara OC Hiralal Roy suffered minor injuries,but an ASI and two constables are in critical condition,” Kumar said.

District Magistrate Vandana Yadav said since the situation was back to normal,no prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area. “There was no option for the police but to open fire on Monday. Three police vehicles were burnt by the mob,which was pelting stones at the policemen,” Yadav said.

The tribals,however,are adamant over their stand. Parishad spokesman Rajesh Lakra,who was in Siliguri on Tuesday,said the region has a long history of administrative neglect and bias. “Trouble is flaring up because tribals are now aware of their rights. Long suppressed,they are now coming out. The police and administration are not changing their attitude,” Lakra told The Indian Express.