Siliguri, 06th March: The city is witnessing a spate of accidents and attacks, raising concerns over law and order. Following two consecutive hit-and-run incidents, a traffic police constable was reportedly assaulted, prompting questions about the city’s safety and policing.
Recently, a young man died in a hit-and-run accident on Sevoke Road, while a young woman involved in the same incident remains in critical condition. Three days earlier, another hit-and-run near Alo Chowdhuri More left a young woman seriously injured, and she continues to receive treatment. Police have investigated both incidents, apprehending the vehicles involved and arresting the drivers.
Tensions escalated in Siliguri Junction area when four youths allegedly assaulted an on-duty traffic constable. The youths, reportedly intoxicated, had parked a scooter on the road and were behaving unruly. When the constable and a civic volunteer asked them to move, the youths reportedly attacked the officer, striking him on the head with a belt. The suspects fled the scene but were later arrested by Pradhan Nagar police. The accused, identified as Bishal Das, Arjun Mahato, Ajay Mahato, and Ramdev Mahato, were sent to court, which ordered 14 days of judicial custody. The incidents have triggered political debate in the city.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders Bikramaditya Mandal and Kamal Ghosh criticized the police administration, claiming law and order has deteriorated and the city is poorly managed. TMC Youth President Jayabrata Mukhuty stated that such incidents are unacceptable, but noted that the police have acted promptly to arrest the culprits.
Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb expressed concern over the recent events, noting that police resources are currently engaged due to the President’s visit tomorrow. He said he will meet with police officials to review the city’s law and order situation.
The consecutive accidents and the attack on a police personnel have also raised anxiety among residents, with many voicing concern over safety in Siliguri. The focus now is on how effectively the Siliguri Metropolitan Police can curb such incidents in the future.