Himalayan Plantation Workers' Union prez arrested

Siliguri: JB Tamang, president, Himalayan Plantation Workers' Union (HPWU- affiliated to the GNLF) was arrested on Sunday morning and was released on bail by a Siliguri court later during the day. As he was coming out of the court premises, he was rearrested in a different case.

57-year-old Tamang has been charged under Sections 341 and 323 of the Indian Penal Code, with Section 8A of the National Highway Act in case number 120/18 dated 7.8.2018 under the Naxalbari police station.

The chargesheet was presented in court on March 20 and the court had issued a warrant in his name on March 22.

On August 7, 2018, Tamang had taken part in a march to Uttar Kanya (the mini secretariat at the Jalpaiguri district). Road blocks had been setup at Hatighisa under the Naxalbari police station.

He was arrested in the wee hours of Sunday by Jorebungalow police. GNLF leaders gathered in front of the police station to protest.

"We vehemently protest against this. We will also court arrest in protest," stated Ajoy Edward, member, steering committee, GNLF. Tamang was taken to the ACJM Court in Siliguri.

"The police has already filed a chargesheet in this case. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Siliguri has granted J B Tamang bail. The next date of hearing has been fixed on April 8, 2019," stated Sushanta Neogi, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Siliguri.

As soon as Tamang stepped out, he was rearrested in connection with a Mirik police station case, under sections 143/341/186/353/506/34 and 120(b) of the Indian Penal Code, along with sections of other Acts. He will be produced at the ACJM Court, Kurseong on Monday.