2 held for heckling Dilip Ghosh & Co.

Darjeeling: Two persons were arrested from Darjeeling in connection with the assault on state BJP president Dilip Ghosh and other BJP leaders in Darjeeling on Thursday. They were later released on bail by a Darjeeling court.

Chandan Thapa (29) of Rishihaat Tea Estate along with Santay Gurung (42), also of Rishihaat Tea Estate, were arrested. They were charged under Sections 341/323/325/354/379/506/35 of the Indian Penal Code. The duo was produced at the Judicial Magistrate Court, Darjeeling and was released on bail.

Incidentally, Ghosh along with other BJP leaders had met with protests in Darjeeling while attending a programme at GDNS Hall in Darjeeling on Thursday. Later, the BJP leaders were heckled on the Hill Cart Road.

The protestors have also lodged a counter FIR against the BJP leaders alleging that the BJP leaders were inciting unrest by giving provocative statements. The police have initiated a case based on this FIR.

Meanwhile, in Darjeeling, the Singla Road leading to Sikkim was dug up in three places. The road passes through Patleybash area, where Gurung used to reside. Police sources claim that the road was dug up using excavators. "The road has been dug up to prevent vehicles including police vehicles and ambulances from entering the area. However, we are filling up the trenches with sand bags and traffic has resumed," stated Joyoshi Das Gupta, District Magistrate, Darjeeling.

Meanwhile, as many as 16 members out of the 20-member Kurseon Municipality pledged support to rebel GJM leaders Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa on Friday.