'Release tribal leaders who protested Bengal gang rape'

A section of human rights activists and organisations from West Bengal Tuesday demanded the immediate release of four trade union leaders arrested "falsely" for demonstrating against the gang rape of a tribal woman.

"Adivasi" (tribal) communities from North Bengal Monday called a shutdown in Jalpaiguri district in protest against the gang rape of a woman which took place in Birbhum district's Labhpur Jan 20.

The four were arrested from Nagrakata in the district Monday.

"We strongly condemn the arrest of four trade union leaders from the 'adivasi' community for participating in a peaceful demonstration in support of the shutdown. Different 'adivasi' organisations have strongly reacted against the ghastly incident of Labhpur," a statement signed by a host of activists, including educationist Sunando Sanyal, said.

"The police have booked the four under false charges, including under the Arms Act. Moreover, there is likelihood that more persons who participated in the demonstration will be arrested. We, therefore, demand immediate release of the four and withdrawal of charges, besides a proper probe into the Labhpur incident," said Anuradha Talwar of Paschim Banga Khet Majdoor Samity.