Siliguri, 26th July: Darjeeling District Trinamool Congress President Papiya Ghosh strongly criticized the BJP without directly naming it, regarding the beating of a tribal woman during the Salishi Sabha in Bagdogra. On Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s instructions, Papiya Ghosh visited Bagdogra on Wednesday to meet with the victim woman and interact with local residents.
After the visit, Papiya Ghosh addressed the media, describing the incident as a family matter, yet deeply disturbing. She alleged that there was an attempt to politicize the incident, linking it to the Manipur issue. She assured that the police are thoroughly investigating the entire incident, and four individuals have already been arrested.
On July 19, a dispute and fight occurred between two women in the Bhujiapani area. Another woman attempted to mediate and resolve the conflict. The following day, during the Salishi Sabha, the woman who mediated was allegedly assaulted. She claimed to have been stripped and beaten, although her written complaint to the police did not include the mention of being stripped. Instead, she stated that she was assaulted, with some individuals touching her body.
A complaint was also filed from the other party’s perspective, leading to the arrest of four individuals: Pradeep Sarkar, Gauri Sarkar, Lalita Balmiki, and Shiva Balmiki. The matter is being closely monitored, and a report will be sent to the Chief Minister as the investigation progresses.