Siliguri, 04th December: Tensions escalated in NJP during the ongoing NF Railway Employees’ Union (NFREU) elections after an allegation of assault on a woman leader.
Reportedly, the election process had been proceeding peacefully since Wednesday morning, but the situation took a dramatic turn when a female member of the Railway Employees’ Union alleged that she was assaulted.
She claimed that while speaking to some people, a polling agent from another workers’ organization approached her, warned her, and accused her of making improper claims. The woman further alleged that she was physically assaulted when she raised the issue of the polling agent calling people to vote.
Following the incident, a scuffle broke out between the members of the Railway Employees Union and the Railway Mazdoor Union. The local NJP police and railway police swiftly intervened to bring the situation under control.
Paritosh Pal, Joint Secretary of the Mazdoor Union, denied the allegation of assault, suggesting that the Railway Employees’ Union raised the issue out of fear of losing the election.