CID to probe SI Amitava Malik's killing in Darjeeling

Darjeeling: Bengal CID will probe into the killing of state police Sub-Inspector Amitava Malik in a firing allegedly by supporters of Bimal Gurung during a police raid at a forest near Darjeeling in search of the absconding GJM chief earlier this month.

Malik was killed on October 13 at Tukvar forest and four other policemen were injured during the raid when the clash with Gurung's supporters had taken place.

Days after it Darjeeling police had lodged a suo motu FIR against the GJM leader and others in connection with the killing.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code read with different sections of the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.

A large cache of automatic arms including AK47s, Beretta pistol; ammunition and explosives were recovered by the police from the spot.

CID officials visited the Darjeeling Sadar Police station on Monday. They even questioned the police officers and personnel who were on the spot on that day.

"We have started investigations in the SI Amitava Malik case" stated a CID officer.

Meanwhile, GJM leader Binay Tamang has vehemently condemned Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh's statement that Gorkhaland does not feature in BJP's agenda nor does the party support Gorkhaland.

"Eleven persons have laid down their lives in the agitation. The Hills were expecting the BJP to take some positive steps in this direction. The BJP has betrayed the Gorkhas," retorted Tamang.

Tamang alleged that the BJP harbour a dual policy towards Gorkhaland.

"In the Hills they talk about Gorkhaland and when they cross Siliguri they state that Gorkhaland is not in the BJP's agenda," complained Tamang.

He also alleged that from 2007 to 2017 BJP has time and again betrayed the Gorkhas.