National Commission for Scheduled Castes Vice Chairperson Arun Halder on Thursday alleged that attempts have been made to suppress the truth about the death of 17-year-old girl last week in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, reported PTI.
The girl’s body was found in a pond in Kaliaganj town on April 21, a day after she had gone missing. According to the police, a preliminary post-mortem showed that the girl had died due to poisoning. However, her family has alleged that she was raped before she was murdered.
The death had sparked protests in the area. Several shops and e-rickshaws were set on fire on April 22, prompting the police to use tear gas shells and batons against the protestors. On Tuesday, a mob set the Kaliaganj police station on fire and beat up a police officer.
Mijanur Rehman, a civic volunteer was critically injured in the violence on Tuesday. He succumbed to his injuries at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri two days later.
In view of the violence, the district administration on Thursday banned large gatherings under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and suspended internet services in Kaliaganj, reported PTI.
“These measures will continue till April 30,” an official told the news agency.
On Thursday, the Scheduled Caste panel vice chairperson, Halder visited the girl’s family. He alleged that the Uttar Dinajpur administration and Raiganj superintendent of police were not cooperating with him.
“The IG [inspector general], North Bengal, district collector and SP have been served a notice to reply within seven days,” he told PTI. “I could sense that there was an attempt to suppress the truth.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!