Siliguri, 11th July: Tension gripped the Haiderpara Fish Market area of Siliguri on Friday after BJP workers were accused of attempting to vandalize a biryani shop over allegations that banned meat was being sold there.
According to local sources, a group of BJP workers arrived at the shop claiming they had received complaints that the biryani being sold contained banned meat. They allegedly tore down the shop’s banner and attempted to vandalize the premises.
The incident triggered concern among local business owners, who said individuals should not take the law into their own hands without allowing the administration or the relevant government authorities to investigate the allegations. Business owners said the incident has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the area.
Bapi Ghosh, Secretary of the Haiderpara Byabasayee Samity, said that if there were any complaints against the shop, they should have been brought to the notice of the traders’ association or the administration. He said confronting the shop directly and taking such action without informing the authorities was inappropriate.
BJP worker Ratan Sharma said the group had visited the shop after receiving a complaint regarding the sale of banned meat. He added that the matter would also be reported to the administration for further action.
Shop owner Priya Dey said she had rented out the premises around ten years ago and had never received any such complaint during that period. She alleged that the shop was targeted based on serious accusations made without any investigation and demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident.