Audio clip row: Inquiry begins against IC

Darjeeling: The Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, has initiated an inquiry into the matter involving allegations against the Inspector-in-Charge, Darjeeling Sadar police station, based on a complaint by one Shakuntala Bhattarai.

"An audio clip has come to our notice alleging that IC Sadar threatened one Achutam Bhattarai over phone. With reference to this, we have received a complaint from Bhattarai's mother. SP (Operations) will conduct the inquiry.

"As the matter is phone-call related, we will seek assistance from the CID.

"If the IC is at fault, departmental and legal action will be initiated against him," stated Akhilesh Chaturvedi, SP, Darjeeling.

Police guards have been posted at the Bhattarai residence at Mandir Gaon, Going, Lebong.

"Our stand is clear. We will not tolerate misbehaviour with the public," added the SP.

In her complaint,

Shakuntala Bhattarai had complained that Saumyajit Roy had threatened her son over phone that their house would be burnt down and she and her daughters would be raped.

The matter had gone viral on March 10 on social media. The phone call was allegedly made on February 18.

Bhattarai's mother is not aware of his location. He does not reside in Darjeeling.

S S Ahluwalia, the BJP MP from Darjeeling, has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh requesting a suo moto probe by the NIA.