CID arrests close associate of GJM leader Bimal Gurung

Manoj Shankar, a close associate of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, was arrested on Wednesday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal in New Delhi.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Gurung condemned the West Bengal government's directive for a CID investigation into the October 13 encounter between the GJM members and the state police that killed Sub-Inspector Amitava Malik, and appealed for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe instead.

"We protest the CID probe and instead appeal for a CBI one. The West Bengal government has been exercising dictatorial rule on our party and it will increase through CID," Gurung said in an audio tape.

Gurung appealed the Centre and the state government for a CBI probe into the incident as well as into the bomb explosions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other areas of the state.

The GJM supremo had alleged that the incident was part of a political conspiracy to frame the party and enforce dictatorial rule.

Referring to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Gurung said, "We are not anti-national to demand Gorkhaland. It is within our fundamental right."

On October 23, probe into the killing of Malik was handed over to the CID.

An exchange of fire between the GJM supporters and West Bengal Police in Darjeeling's Takvar on October 13 resulted in the death of the Sub-Inspector, while at least two others were injured.

Gurung was implicated in Malik's death, with Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, West Bengal, Anuj Sharma stating that the GJM chief had instructed his cadres to attack the police personnel.

Sharma said acting on the information that Gurung was hiding in the area, the police had conducted raids, during which the GJM supporters fired and pelted stones.

The October 13 attack was the first major incident of violence after the 100-day-long strike was lifted in Darjeeling.