Siliguri, 09th February: Tension prevailed in Siliguri following the sudden death of a civic volunteer who had come for training at a police barrack in Fulbari. BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh staged a sit-in protest at the base of the Gandhi statue on Kachari Road, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.
Alleging that extreme mental pressure and administrative lapses led to the civic volunteer’s death, the MLA strongly criticised the state government. Ghosh said the death could have been prevented had there been proper infrastructure and arrangements in place. He highlighted that civic volunteers work for minimal monthly remuneration and claimed that those residing in police barracks have repeatedly complained about various difficulties.
Ghosh further stated that he has informed Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari about the matter and asserted that civic volunteers would be given due dignity and respect after a change in government. He demanded an immediate and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Responding to the allegations, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said that the state government has extended several benefits to civic volunteers and that their honorarium has been increased by ₹1,000 in the current budget. He added that the government is working beyond its capacity to support them.
Expressing deep sorrow over the civic volunteer’s death, the mayor said the administration would meet the bereaved family. On the MLA’s protest, Deb declined to comment directly and said he hoped good sense would prevail.