Kharibari, 07th January: A businessman and his son were allegedly assaulted after he protested against antisocial activities at a railway station in Kharibari, triggering tension in the area. The incident took place on Tuesday evening at Batasi railway station under the Kharibari police station area.
According to sources, local businessman Gopal Sarkar objected to the antisocial behaviour of a youth at the railway station, which led to an altercation. Allegedly enraged, the youth attacked the businessman. Later, a group of youths, including women, arrived in a four-wheeler in search of the businessman and brutally assaulted his son at their hardware shop.
The accused also allegedly vandalised the hardware store and looted items during the attack. Hearing the commotion, nearby shopkeepers rushed to the spot, managed to catch hold of five people, and handed them over to Kharibari police.
Based on a written complaint filed by the businessman, police arrested five accused identified as Mohammad Hashimuddin Sheikh, Hasibul Sheikh, Hasina Bibi, Rina Khatun and Menuka Khatun, all residents of Charna Jote in Buraganj.
The arrested persons were produced before the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court on Wednesday. The businessman’s son has demanded strict punishment for those involved, while police have launched an investigation into the incident.