Siliguri, 04th April: A youth who was critically injured in an attack with a sharp weapon during a Ram Navami procession in Tikiapara under Ward No. 28 of Siliguri has died during treatment. The deceased has been identified as Suraj Sahni.
According to local sources, three different committees, including Bajrang Committee, had taken out processions in Ward No. 28. It has been alleged that several participants were carrying weapons during the procession despite repeated instructions from the administration.
During the procession, a dispute broke out over some issue, following which Rajesh Sahni, who had come from another committee, allegedly attacked Suraj Sahni with a sharp weapon.
Suraj Sahni was immediately admitted to a private hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries on Friday during treatment. His death has left the family in deep grief. It is reported that his wife is pregnant, further adding to the family’s distress.
A local resident, identified as Ilu, alleged that despite administrative instructions not to carry weapons in the procession, the rules were not followed and blamed the negligence of the committees for the incident.
Meanwhile, Sagar Sunar, president of Tikiapara Bajrang Committee, denied any involvement of his organisation, stating that the accused Rajesh Sahni is not a member. He claimed that the accused and the deceased were known to each other and had a prior dispute, and that the accused suddenly attacked and fled.
Councillor Samprita Das reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. She stated that although a complaint was initially lodged with the police, the family later chose not to pursue the matter further at that time after an assurance regarding treatment expenses, which is why no strict action was taken earlier.