Cong bandh evokes near total response in Malda

MALDA, 6 OCT: A 12-hour bandh called by the Congress in Chanchal block I passed off peacefully today.

The bandh was called after the murder of a 45-year-old Congress activist Mainuddin Sarkar, which occurred at Nijlamari village under Chanchal police station yesterday afternoon.

The victim's nephew Mr Afjal Sheikh, a CPI-M worker, is believed to be involved in the incident. The local Congress leaders called the bandh protesting against police inaction and the continuous alleged terror tactic of the CPI-M.

The Chanchal SDO Mr Subho Mukherjee said private buses and other vehicles were off the road while business houses and markets were closed.

The bandh evoked a near total response and was observed peacefully, he said. The Congress president in Chanchal block I, Mr Sachchidananda Chakraborty alleged that yesterday’s incident was a fallout of a clash between the Citu and Congress workers a few weeks ago over the formation of a workers’ union unit for motorized rickshaw vans.

Several people from Nijlamari village attacked the Congress party office and set it on fire. “Though a complaint was lodged against around 50 people but police had arrested only four following the CPI-M's orders,” said Mr Chakraborty.

“The murder was the result of a family problem. But, to gain political mileage, the Congress is trying to paint a political colour in connection to the other incident that took place here," said Mr Jiban Moitra, the CPI-M district secretary. ;SNS


Woman shot at

MALDA, 6 OCT: Firdausi Begum was shot at today at the Sujapur bus stop in Kaliachak police station. According to the police and eyewitnesses she was shot at by mistake by one Ismail Sheikh. The victim was admitted to Malda district hospital for treatment. ;SNS
Arrest

MALDA, 6 OCT: Police arrested Mithun Mandal as a suspected two-wheeler lifter from Managalbari area under Malda police station today. Locals intercepted the youth and found two-wheeler spare parts in his possession. ;SNS

Docs demand pay

MALDA, 6 OCT: A group of Homeopathy doctors engaged in charitable dispensaries under the Malda Zilla Parishad submitted a representation to the district magistrate demanding unpaid remuneration for the past six months. ;SNS