Protest over Balurghat 'rape' incident leaves traffic haywire

BALURGHAT: A group of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) members on Friday demonstrated at Gangarampur about 42 km from here on National Highway 512 and allegedly attacked police while protesting the incident of alleged rape and murder of a woman. The police said the incident occurred on September 7.

Raising slogans against the police and local administration, the protestors blocked the National Highway and got involved in a tussle with police while the latter rushed there to restore normalcy by requesting the VHP members to lift the blockade as there was huge traffic snarl following the agitation from both sides of the road. A group of Parishad members tried collapsing the police cordon and allegedly attacked the police. Receiving the information, additional police superintendent, Wangjen Bhutia, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Bipul Banerjee along with Inspector-In-Charge of Gangarampur police station, Purnendu Kundu, with a large contingent of combat force rushed there to tackle the situation.

The protestors had finally lifted the blockade and demonstration about 10.30 am. Two policemen were injured following the attack. Five VHP members were also booked for creating the nuisance.

According to a police source, the body of an unidentified half-naked lady was recovered from Gangarampur on September 7. She belonged from the locality. Local residents have alleged that the lady was brutally raped before murder.

The identity of the deceased was, however, disclosed after three days by the family members. A written complaint was lodged with the police. After receiving the complaint, the police initiated a probe. No one has been arrested so far.

Protesting the incident, the VHP members started demonstration and took part in road blockade.

SDPO Bipul Banerjee said: "The protestors should abide by the law and order. Traffic from both sides of NH 512 had totally been stopped from 9 am to 10.30 am due to the blockade and agitation. A large contingent of combat force was deployed to restore normalcy."

Speaking about the alleged rape and murder of the woman, Banerjee said: "Police are investigating the case. Soon, the culprits who were involved in committing the crime will be detained."