Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong ,26th Aug

In this almost one month long ongoing Darjeeling Hills bandh, once again a vehicle was burnt on NH 31A in Kalimpong Sub Division.

It was learnt that a Nano Vehicle (WB74-W -6285) travelling towards Siliguri from Pedong was burnt by masked men at 3 Mile near Chitray in Kalimpong in the morning today.

As per the driver of the vehicle Mr. Pema Lepcha, resident of Pedong, he was taking two passengers also from Pedong to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri to visit a patient when suddenly they were waylaid by around six to seven masked men who came out of the roadside forested area near 3 Mile.

Mr. Lepcha said they ordered us out of the vehicle and then torched it after which they vanished into the forest again.

Meanwhile, a case was registered at Kalimpong PS after which later the police arrested four persons from Kalimpong region in the arson case. It was learnt that they were GJMM supporters.

The arrested persons have been identified as Albert Lepcha, Pranai Chettri, Bhupal Chettri & Subash Rai and have been booked under section 147/148/149 435 & 427 IPC. Sources said that since small arms in the form of sharp weapons (khukuris) were found in their possession during their arrest they have also been booked under the Arms Act  25(i)A / 27

Later they were produced before the ACJM Court, Kalimpong and have been sent to 14 days Judicial Custody.

Notably since the first day of the GJMM sponsored Darjeeling Hills bandh in support of Gorkhaland from 29 July so far four vehicles including a motor bike have been torched and one vandalized in Kalimpong Sub Division area. On the 29 July a motor bike had been torched at Malli and a Savari vehicle in Rangpoo both on NH31A and later a vehicle had been vandalized in Kalimpong Town. Again on 4 August, a Bolero Vehicle had also been torched allegedly by GJMM picketers near Brick Dara on NH31A.