Arrest warrant issued against GJM chief Gurung, seven others

Darjeeling: An arrest warrant was on Wednesday issued against absconding GJM chief Bimal Gurung and seven others for their alleged involvement in the arson and violence reported from Darjeeling on June 8.

"The arrest warrant was issued by the chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Darjeeling on a prayer by the CID. The warrant has been issued against Bimal Gurung and seven others for their involvement in the arson and violence that took place outside the Bhanu Bhawan in Darjeeling on June 8," Ajoy Prasad, Special Superintendent, CID, said.

The others against whom the warrant was issued were GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, GJM Yuva Morcha president Prakash Gurung, Amrit Yonzon, Ashok Chhetri, D K Pradhan, Tilak Roka and Asha Gurung, the GJM Mahila Morcha chief and wife of Bimal Gurung.

Last week, the West Bengal police had issued a lookout notice against Gurung for his alleged involvement in various cases, including a bomb blast at the Kalimpong police station, in which a civic volunteer was killed.

On June 8, GJM supporters had indulged in violence and arson while attempting to march to the Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling town, which was hosting a cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the first time.

Tourism minister Gautam Deb led a TMC peace rally at Garidhura in the foothills. On the 84th day of the indefinite bandh, shops and business establishments opened up at Garidhura following the peace rally. The minister also distributed ration. Many families from Garidhura, Rohini, Longview and nearby places joined the TMC on Wednesday.

An IED blast rocked Mirik at around 9 pm. The explosion took place near the gate of the PWD bungalow opposite the Mirik lake. No one was injured in the blast.