Parts of Kaliyaganj in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district turned into a virtual battlefield on Tuesday following violent protests by the local people against the alleged rape and murder of teenage girl last week.
Tension was brewing in the area for some time now, which exploded on Tuesday. A local police station was set on fire by the angry mob, while a couple of police vehicles were also torched as the protesters turned violent. Some policemen have suffered minor injuries, sources said.
It is learnt that a local pressure group, reportedly backed by the BJP, started protesting in front of the Kaliyaganj police station on Tuesday. The protest was announced in advance, and the cops had raised a three-tier barricade in front of the police station.
The district police officers claimed that while the protest was peaceful initially, the situation turned violent after some of the agitators tried to break through the barriers. The police had to resort to lathi charge and firing of tear gas shells in a bid to bring the situation under control.
However, some of the protesters reportedly crossed the barricades, entered the police station and destroyed public property. They also set fire on the police station and torched a couple of police vehicles.
Meanwhile, a political slugfest has erupted in the state over the violence.
While the BJP has claimed that the police had resorted to unprovoked attack on the 'peaceful' agitation, the ruling Trinamool Congress has alleged the saffron forces of destabilising the law-and-order situation in the area over an unfortunate incident.
On April 21, the body of a 17-year-old girl was found in a canal in Kaliaganj. Alleging that she was raped and killed, the locals had blocked roads besides setting some shops on fire. A large police contingent had to be rushed to the area to bring the situation under control.
Four ASIs were suspended in connection with the minor girl's death case, who were seen dragging the body of the teenage victim.
The victim's family has already approached the Calcutta High Court demanding a CBI probe into the incident.
Tripura Traffic Inspector held for Rs 74 Lakh embezzlement
Tripura Police on Wednesday arrested an Inspector of its traffic unit for allegedly embezzling Rs 74 lakh from the Bishalgarh Traffic Police Unit under Sepahijala District.
87 investors signed MoUs to invest Rs 3,700 crore in Tripura: CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday said that 87 investors from different parts of the country signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) promising to invest Rs 3,700 crore across different sectors, during the recent investors’ summit in Agartala.
Mizoram capital to come on Indian railway map within 5 months
Mizoram's Aizawl will be the fourth capital city in the northeast region to be joined by a railway link, and within five months, with the Bairabi-Sairang new line project at an advanced completion stage, officials said on Tuesday.
Assam Rifles seize drugs valued at Rs 15.4 crore, smuggler held
In a major blow to the drug cartel and the perpetrators of drug business, the Assam Rifles troops apprehended a drug peddler and seized heroin valued Rs 15.4 crore in Manipur, officials said on Tuesday.
Agartala Smart City Secures Rs 116 Crore for Solid Waste Management under CITIIS 2.0
The Agartala Smart City Limited has signed an agreement for a ₹116 crore project under the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate & Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) initiative to enhance Integrated Solid Waste Management in the city.
New Rail link connecting Dharmanagar- Kailashahar soon: CM Manik Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced that the state would get another railway track connecting Dharmanagar in the North District to Kailashahar of Unakoti District. Additionally, the state’s tallest building, housing all directorates under one roof, will come up at Gurkhabasti, Agartala
Bikash holds meeting with returnees to address long standing issues
In a significant step towards rehabilitation and integration, Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma on Tuesday held discussions with surrendered extremists from various insurgent groups. The meeting aimed to address long standing grievances and ensure the fulfillment of promises made to them.
One arrested in Khowai with cannabis worth over Rs 1 Lakh
Acting on a tip-off, personnel from Khowai Police Station intercepted a vehicle and discovered 62 packets of dried cannabis, weighing 49.5 kg, concealed in various compartments.