AIGL urges CM to order judicial probe into Tamang murder

The All India Gorkha League (AIGL) leaders have urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to go for a judicial inquiry into the Madan Tamang murder case.

The AIGL leaders, who met Banerjee here yesterday, said there were lapses on the part of the then district administration and the police department during the initial investigation into 2010 murder incident.

"The then state government had handed over the probe to the CID who arrested Nicole Tamang, the prime accused. However, Tamang managed to escape from custody. It is curious to note that the prime accused was kept in CID custody in Pintail Village near Siliguri instead of police custody as should have been the procedure," AIGL General Secretary Pratap Khati said today. "We told the CM a judicial probe can unravel the mystery," he said.

Khati also said that investigating officer during the CID probe K S Paharia was not booked as per provisions in the law.

"Action should have been taken against Paharia as he was the investigating officer. Also, we have information that K L Tamta, then Inspector General of Police, North Bengal, had given written instructions for arranging adequate security for the public meeting where our leader was going to speak. But the SP did not follow the order," Khati alleged.

Madan Tamang was allegedly hacked to death in broad daylight on May 21, 2010 at the Upper Clubside area of Darjeeling town as he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting.

In a memorandum to the chief minister, the AIGL further said two consignments of arms from the North-East had been brought to Darjeeling and a senior GJM functionary was involved (in bringing the arms).

Asked if the party had brought the issue of the CBI chargesheet against the 23 GJM leaders, Khati said, "We have told the chief minister that Gurung cannot be trusted as there is enough circumstantial evidence against him. Nothing happens within the GJM without Gurung's consent."

Contacted, one of those named in the CBI chargesheet and the GJM MLA from Kalimpong, Harka Bahadur Chhetri said his party had nothing to comment on the AIGL's allegations and demands.

"It seems they (AIGL) know everything that we are unaware of. We believe in the judiciary and the law will take its own course. We have nothing else to add," he said.

Yesterday, the chief minister met leaders and activists of the Trinamool Congress hill unit and also handed out a cheque of Rs 2 lakh to Kanchenjunga Morning Club.

Banerjee will leave for Kolkata tomorrow after attending an inauguration programme in Bagdogra.